The wicked sister-in-law is in charge; meals include fish and shrimp.

Chapter 92 Arrival in the Southern Wilderness

Inside the imperial prison, Jun Shuyan stood with his hands behind his back, smiling as he looked at Gu Wenhuai, who was meditating in the cell.

"Grand Tutor Gu, do you really not know Helian Yue's whereabouts or his plans?"

Now that things have come to this, he's not going to pretend anymore. He's just a self-righteous old stubborn man. How could he possibly ride on my head?

Since he went to prison, this old man hasn't had a drop of water, a bite of food, or uttered a single word.

So far, none of the people sent out have brought back any news of Helian Yue.

Gu Yunqi, on the other hand, was rescued by a group of people who suddenly appeared and is now missing.

Gu Wenhuai sat still and didn't say a word, while Jun Shuyan snorted coldly and left with a flick of his sleeve.

If he doesn't say something today, he's going to get really angry!

There were also many voices of condemnation in the imperial court today, mostly from this old man's students.

He doesn't care about all that; he'll always find a way to shut them up!

After he left, Gu Wenhuai opened his eyes, which were filled with deep worry.

Aside from his grandson Gu Yunqi and his favorite student Helian Yue, he had no other worries. He only hoped that he wouldn't become a burden to them.

Ten days later.

The work on the mountain was finished. Wen Luozhi paid everyone half a month's wages and gave each person two catties of lard.

While everyone was lamenting that they wouldn't know where to find such a good job again, Wen Luozhi suddenly said, "For the next few days, I'd appreciate it if you could help us plant some more fruit trees. The pay will be the same as before."

The people the village chief chose were all very good; none of them were lazy or cunning. Planting trees was much easier than clearing the land, so I figured no one would refuse.

Sure enough, the group of people were delighted and readily agreed. They were all used to farm work, so planting trees was a piece of cake for them, and they were sure they would do a great job.

The tree planting was arranged, and before it got dark, she went to the field to check on the cucumbers and tomatoes.

The smallest cucumbers were as thick as her wrist and ready to be picked; the tomatoes were beginning to turn red.

"How come these cucumbers have grown so big!" Wen Luozhi exclaimed. When she didn't have a meal, eating one would solve the problem.

The little wolf has grown very fast lately. It was darting around in the field when it found the tenderest cucumber and started crunching on it.

"Hehe, it's crispy, sweet, and really delicious!" It lay on the ground like a duck, its tail wagging happily.

Wen Luozhi was a little nervous as the shop was going to serve roast duck tomorrow.

The pastry shop has managed to do exceptionally well, and has even added delivery service. People who have free time during the day are now starting to come to her shop to buy pastries.

People from other pastry shops also come every day to buy pastries to study, but she doesn't care at all about the results.

She was not afraid at all, as the shop was constantly stocking new items and even if they managed to figure out a few of them.

The ice business is also booming; the people from Yanfeng go to the shop twice a day to pick up ice.

Once the money from selling ice came in and the orchard was settled, she would start building their big house.

After staying in the field for a while, when it was still a little light, the man and the wolf headed home.

Helian Yue was completely fine getting out of bed and was chopping wood in the yard.

When he saw Wen Luozhi return, he smiled and nodded, while the little wolf circled around him.

"Little girl, little girl, why are you ignoring me? Look how disappointed I am!" It ran back and sat at Wen Luozhi's feet, letting out a dissatisfied howl.

Wen Luozhi tapped the wolf's head and looked up at Helian Yue, and sure enough, she caught a trace of barely perceptible disappointment in his eyes.

"It's getting dark and it'll be dangerous outside. Go back quickly," she said softly, her voice gentle like a kitten scratching at your ear.

"Okay," Helian Yue said in a clear and melodious voice, immediately putting down the axe and walking into the house.

Helian Zhiyan sat on the edge of the bed, swinging her little legs. When she saw him come in, a smug smile appeared on her face. "Brother, do you want to find me a sister-in-law?"

After so many days, she finally realized that her brother's gaze towards Sister Luo Zhi was different.

Back in the capital, my brother used to look down on those noble ladies, but now he always hopes that Sister Luo Zhi will give him a glance or say a word to him.

Helian Yue walked over and gently flicked her head. "Don't worry about things like that, you're just a child."

Helian Zhiyan snorted in dissatisfaction, jumped off the bed, and went to find Wen Luozhi to tell her a story. Helian Yue stood by the window, looking out with a deep gaze.

His men have found him and brought news of his grandfather and the others; the group has settled down in the Southern Wilderness.

However, the daily hardship of working in the dugout might not be enough for my grandfather's health.

And then there's my mother, whose health wasn't good to begin with, and all this suffering along the way must have taken a toll on her.

I wonder if those things that were sent over have even reached them. After peeling back the layers, there probably isn't much left.

……

At his desk, Jun Qianzi was writing furiously, finally putting a thick stack of banknotes and letters into a box.

"Uncle Mu, please, you must deliver this to Grandfather."

“This southern wilderness is not like other places where you can survive on silver,” Jun Qianzi said.

When he was a traveling doctor, he had heard many things about the Southern Wilderness, and that the people living there were either wicked or evil.

The emperor was far away, and the officials sent there to guard the area acted like local tyrants. Without money, they were hard to talk to, and with a little manipulation, they could make people wish they were dead.

Uncle Mu was the Empress Dowager's man, so he naturally had a way to deliver the silver notes to his grandfather without missing a single penny.

Uncle Mu took the box and comforted him, "Doctor Jun, there's no need to worry too much. News has come that someone has sent supplies to the old Duke and his family; that should be enough to last them for a while."

Upon hearing this, Jun Qianzi's eyes lit up as she looked at him, her voice trembling slightly, "You mean, could it be..."

Besides A-Yue, he can't think of anyone else right now.

A hint of annoyance appeared between Uncle Mu's brows. "When I was investigating, I lost contact in this area. It seems someone has discovered us."

The two talked for a while longer, and finally Uncle Mu turned to Gu Yunqi, who looked worried, and said, "Military Advisor Gu, are you worried about the Grand Tutor's safety? The General of Longxi's men are guarding him in the imperial prison; I'm afraid that man won't dare to make any rash moves."

Gu Yunqi nodded to him, then looked at Jun Qianzi, and didn't say anything more in front of Uncle Mu.

After Uncle Mu left, Gu Yunqi walked up to Jun Qianzi and asked him, "Qianqian, are you really sure you want to go back?"

Uncle Mu agreed to personally deliver the goods to the Southern Wilderness, on the condition that Jun Qianzi could return to see Empress Dowager Xiao.

It's said simply, but it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was a near-death experience.

Renshou Palace was guarded by people sent by Jun Shuyan, making it extremely difficult for even a fly to get in.

Qianqian only knows a little bit of martial arts. Let alone entering Renshou Palace, she would probably be killed by Jun Shuyan's men as soon as she appeared.

Jun Qianzi sighed helplessly. Now, apart from the people left outside by the Empress Dowager, there was no one else who could help them. There was no other way.

"I will definitely go back; my grandmother has treated me very well."

"I'm afraid we'll have to wait until A-Yue's business is finished."

With this layer of protection in place, it should be easier for him to get in.

Gu Yunqi scratched his head, feeling a bit nostalgic for his grandfather after being away for so long.

Even with General Longxi around, he was still worried that Jun Shuyan, that bastard, might do something desperate.

When we were kids at the academy, that bastard was incredibly jealous and always bullied A-Yue. My grandfather reprimanded him many times, but I never expected him to hold a grudge.

I really don't understand how such a narrow-minded person can be the ruler of the world!