Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 104 Stealing the Dragon
Little Green Plum had no idea whether anyone else slept soundly that night; she only knew that she slept exceptionally well, and even her dreams were warm and sweet.

When she got up in the morning and walked back to her own place from Yang Can's place, the hem of her skirt swayed gently with her steps, and even her steps had a cheerful rhythm.

After all, she was a girl who had practiced martial arts since childhood, and her adaptability far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Looking at her gait today, she is no longer as reserved and shy as she was yesterday; her posture is upright and agile.

In this respect, she is far superior to Suo Chanzhi.

The warm fragrance of the room from last night still lingered on her body, mixed with the fresh scent of grass and trees outside the courtyard in the morning. The fragrance, both light and strong, clung to her clothes as she stepped into the room.

Dugu Jingyao had just finished washing up and was wearing a moon-white dress, gently wiping her hair with a cloth.

When Dugu Jingyao looked up and saw her childhood sweetheart enter, her gaze paused.

The girl in front of me seemed to have been nourished by something, her radiance was exceptionally striking, and even her brows exuded a vitality that she had never had before.

Upon closer inspection, her skin appeared even more delicate than yesterday, with a rosy glow, like a freshly picked peach, radiating a moist sheen.

"You...how did you..."

Dugu Jingyao's hand holding the cloth froze in mid-air as she looked at her little childhood sweetheart with disbelief.

Little Green Plum was taken aback by her gaze and subconsciously touched her cheek: "Me? What's wrong with me?"

Xiao Qingmei's heart tightened. Could it be that the dirt on her face hadn't been washed off?

She hurriedly ran to the bronze mirror and looked closely.

The woman in the mirror had a natural peach blush on her cheeks, a vibrancy that rouge couldn't achieve.

Her eyes seemed to hold a lake in springtime, and as the light shimmered, even her eyebrows were tinged with a charm she had never shown before.

This captivating appearance is even more radiant than when she has meticulously drawn her eyebrows and applied makeup.

But at this moment, she was clearly naked, with not even a stray hair at her temples combed.

Little Green Plum stared in surprise at herself in the mirror, her fingertips gently stroking her cheek, momentarily stunned.

Suddenly, she understood a question that had puzzled her for a long time.

While still on her way to Tianshui, she was surprised by how her daughter's skin had suddenly become so smooth and delicate, wondering what brand of makeup powder she had used.

Now it seems that her unparalleled beauty and charm were not due to the use of any makeup, but rather nurtured by love.

Seeing that she herself looked incredulous, a thought suddenly flashed through Dugu Jingyao's mind:
Could it be that... sexual intercourse actually has such nourishing effects?
Seeing her little green plum's expression gradually change from surprise to smugness, Dugu Jingyao felt a little jealous and couldn't help but put on a stern face, transforming back into "Little Master Jingyao".

"Alas, to act like this without any official title or status is ultimately against etiquette."

Little did anyone know that Xiao Qingmei, who had already figured things out, didn't care at all. She turned her head and raised her eyebrows at Dugu Jingyao, her tone carrying a hint of playful frankness.

"Etiquette? I don't care. Anyway, I'm very happy and cheerful right now."

After saying that, she deliberately twisted her waist, clearly intending to infuriate the "little nun".

Dugu Jingyao, who was full of Zen sayings, Buddhist teachings, rules and principles, was choked by her words and could not utter a single word.

……

After breakfast, Yu Rui, the young master of Dailai City, found Yang Can and bid him farewell.

Yu Rui first briefly mentioned the theft that happened last night, with a hint of warning in his words: "I have to set off early this morning, but fortunately the goods on the vehicle were not stolen."

"I'm informing the lord of this matter today because I think you should strengthen the defenses of Feng'an Fort."

"Young master is right to remind you."

Yang Can nodded in agreement, his tone sincere: "I have only recently taken over Feng'an Fort, and there are not many guards in the manor to begin with. I will definitely increase manpower and strengthen defenses in the future."

Yu Rui nodded, cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I won't bother you any longer. I will escort the carriage back now and take my leave."

"I'll see you off, young master."

Yang Can quickly agreed, and then added with a smile, "If you ever pass through Feng'an Fort again, please be sure to stay at my place so that I can show you the hospitality of a host."

As the two exchanged pleasantries, the four trucks were already parked in the courtyard, and the horses were harnessed and ready to depart.

Beneath the long corridor, He Youzhen stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the departing caravan. His voice was indifferent, as if he were casually chatting: "Youcai, what do you think Young Master Yu's car is carrying?"

Li Youcai, standing to the side, subconsciously replied, "Didn't Young Master Yu mention yesterday that the medicinal herbs, furs, spices, and the like were bought from Liangzhou..."

Upon hearing this, He Youzhen's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "Then think again, is it possible that this truck is carrying the 'mountain goods' that are currently missing... a hundred sets of armor?"

"what?"

Li Youcai's eyes widened suddenly, and his voice rose several decibels: "Armor? Deacon He, are you saying that armor is being illegally traded in Dailai City?"

He Youzhen slowly shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the convoy: "Haven't the Xianbei people been searching for this batch of armor lately?"
Perhaps, the one who double-crossed and stole the armor was actually Young Master Yu himself!

Li Youcai was startled and speechless for a long time before lowering his voice and saying, "Steward He, this kind of thing... is not something to joke about!"
"We...we don't have a single piece of evidence. This...this isn't a good way to stop the Second Master's carriage, is it?"

He Youzhen smiled, a hint of calculation in his voice: "It's naturally not good for us to stop him, but... what if Third Master tries to stop him?"

He looked up at the corridor across the street, where Yu Xiaobao was staring at Yu Rui's convoy, his face gloomy, clearly still upset about not knowing the contents of the truck.

He Youzhen lifted the hem of his robe and strode over.

"Third Master."

Yu Xiaobao turned around and saw it was him, his tone indifferent: "Oh, Steward He."

"Third Master, what kind of treasure do you think Young Master Yu has on his carriage? How could anyone dare to steal it at night in Feng'an Fort?"

Yu Xiaobao was already fuming because he didn't know what the cargo was on the truck, and upon hearing this, he just snorted heavily: "Who knows what he's up to? He's been acting suspiciously."

He Youzhen changed the subject, half-jokingly saying, "Third Master, you see that Young Master Yu is in a hurry on this trip, and this truck is so well covered up. Could it be that there is armor hidden inside?"

Yu Xiaobao was taken aback: "Armor?"

"Yes."

He Youzhen smiled, but his tone became more serious: "To be honest, Third Master, I am here on the orders of the clan leader to investigate a case of someone smuggling armor to the Xianbei people."

So seeing such a suspicious situation, I couldn't help but be a little suspicious. Please forgive me, Third Master, haha.

Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaobao's eyes lit up instantly.

He only knew that Bald Falcon had lost a batch of "mountain goods," but he never knew what they were.

Hearing He Youzhen say this, he recalled the place where he had first met Yu Rui. Wasn't that the area where Tuoba Junxie and Balimo had fought?
Yu Xiaobao's suspicions grew rapidly like vines.

Armor?

If there really is armor in this car... Yu Rui previously lived in Feng'an Fort, but after leaving, he was pulled back by Yang Can, who treated him with such hospitality.

If there really was armor in the car, then Yang Can would probably be suspected of colluding with the two factions!

Once this matter becomes public, regardless of whether there is any evidence, the eldest brother will definitely not feel comfortable letting Yang Can manage the assets handed over by the second branch.

By then, control of Feng'an Fort will be...

"set off!"

Yu Rui's voice interrupted Yu Xiaobao's thoughts. Seeing that the convoy was ready, he turned around, cupped his hands to Yu Xiaobao, and wanted to say goodbye to his elders.

"Uncle Three..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yu Xiaobao had already bypassed him, strode to the front of the carriage, reached out to stop it, and shouted in a harsh tone, "Wait!"

Yu Xiaobao stood in front of the car, his eyes fixed on Yu Rui: "Nephew Ziming, are you aware that recently someone has been smuggling 'mountain goods,' causing turmoil on all sides?"

Yu Rui's face instantly darkened, his eyes turning cold: "Third Uncle, what do you mean by that? Are you doubting me?"

Yu Xiaobao forced a smile, but his tone left no room for doubt: "Nephew, your uncle has no doubts about you. But look, aren't you already thinking in that direction?"

If you just leave with the convoy today, it will inevitably arouse suspicion from others, and wouldn't that put your father and my second brother in a difficult position?"

Yu Rui coldly asked, "Then what do you want, Third Uncle?"

Seeing his grim expression, Yu Xiaobao became even more convinced that something fishy was going on in the car.

Even if it wasn't that batch of armor, it must have been something that couldn't be shown to the public.

He softened his tone, but remained unyielding: "Nephew, before you leave, why don't you show everyone what's in the car? That would dispel any suspicions. What do you say?"

Yang Can, who was listening from the side, frowned and quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Third Master, this is Yu family territory."

"Young Master is also a member of the Yu family. How can we, as family members, undermine each other, let alone investigate each other? You're overthinking it."

Yu Xiaobao sneered and glanced at everyone present: "Of course I wouldn't doubt my own nephew, but I'm afraid others might have other ideas."

Since the goods on this vehicle aren't anything illicit, what's wrong with showing them to everyone?

He Youzhen walked over slowly, stroking his beard, and said with a smile, "Third Master has always been so concerned about family matters, it's truly rare."

Although there is absolutely nothing suspicious about Young Master Yu…

He changed the subject, looked at Yu Rui, and said sincerely, "However, Third Master's concerns are also reasonable."

If we want to investigate the illegal sale of armor by others, we must first correct the words and deeds of our own people.

If it were someone else's goods passing through this area, Mr. He would definitely inspect them carefully.

Since you are a member of the Yu family, I naturally believe there are no prohibited items in the car.

However, showing off your goods in public can also set an example for others.

Even our young master Yu is willing to cooperate with the inspection.

From that day forward, no matter who I investigate, he will have nothing to say.

These words were like a soft knife, leaving Yu Rui speechless with every sentence.

Yu Rui laughed in anger: "Fine, fine! You two are working together to check my goods, aren't you? Guards!"

He turned and shouted angrily at the guards accompanying him: "Remove the tarpaulins from all four trucks so everyone can see clearly!"

I'd like to see who dares to say anything after this!

The guards did not hesitate and immediately stepped forward to untie the ropes and ripped off the tarpaulin covering the carriage.

Sunlight streamed into the carriage, and everyone peered inside. Sure enough, it was filled with neatly stacked furs, bundled medicinal herbs, and several sealed boxes of spices, crammed full. There wasn't a trace of armor, swords, or shields.

Yu Xiaobao's face instantly turned a deep purplish-red, his hands frozen at his sides, and he was at a loss for what to do.

Yu Rui sneered, his tone full of sarcasm: "Third Uncle, my good Third Uncle!"
I will tell Father everything about this "care" I received today, in detail, when I get back.

If my third uncle visits me in the city in the future, I'm sure my father will give him a warm welcome. I'd be very grateful for your kindness to me today!

Yu Xiaobao was so embarrassed by what he said that he stood there, feeling like everyone's gaze was pricking him like needles, and wished he could disappear into the ground.

Yu Rui didn't bother to look at him anymore, waved his hand, and said in a deep voice, "Let's go!"

The carriage rumbled and slowly drove out of the fortress gate, quickly disappearing from sight.

Yu Xiaobao had intended to make things difficult for his nephew, but ended up making a fool of himself without even getting a single handle on him. Feeling ashamed, he awkwardly said, "I... I should leave too."

After saying that, he turned around hurriedly and rushed back to the inn to pack his things, without even daring to look back.

Once everyone was alone, Li Youcai approached He Youzhen with a hint of relief on his face and said with a grin, "Elder, I knew it! How could Young Master Yu possibly undermine his own family?"
If you were to say that Dailai City was secretly purchasing military equipment, I would believe you.

But to say that he smuggled armor to the Xianbei people, thus increasing the Yu family's threat, is absolutely impossible!

He Youzhen smiled faintly, his gaze still fixed on the direction the convoy had departed, and said meaningfully, "The fact that there are no weapons on the vehicles now does not mean that there were none last night."

Wow, that's clever! Have you ever considered the possibility that the items in this car were switched last night?

Li Youcai was stunned and shook his head repeatedly: "Impossible! Absolutely impossible! In Feng'an Fort, how could Young Master Yu have the ability to do such a thing as switching the baby?"

If he wanted to switch the weapons, where were they hidden? And where did all these furs and medicinal herbs on the truck come from?

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Youcai suddenly shut his mouth, and his face changed instantly.

Yu Rui couldn't do it on his own, but what if someone in Feng'an Fort cooperated with him?

In Feng'an Village, who has the ability to mobilize manpower to cooperate with Yu Rui in carrying out such a "switching the dragon for the phoenix" plan?

The answer appeared in his mind almost instantly—Yang Can!

"It seems you have thought of it too."

He Youzhen noticed the change in his expression and his smile deepened: "Since we've thought of the same thing, why don't we give him a try?"

"Try? How do we try?"

Li Youcai gasped and said nervously, "Steward He, Feng'an Fort is now Yang Can's territory!"
If we really find something that will kill him, and drive him to desperation, then both of our lives will be in danger…

He Youzhen smiled and said, "Of course I wouldn't be so reckless. You don't need to say anything more, just watch my expression!"

After saying that, He Youzhen stepped forward to greet Yang Can.

(End of this chapter)