**
Following the introduction and history of the villages, we took a trip to examine the village's conditions. In order to reason with the Yuan family, I had Xiu Ning tell Madam and Master Yuan that I am paying pardons for my unfortunate deeds in a temple. They seem to be satisfied at the fact that I am asking for forgiveness and saving the Yuan household's face.
One thing I am fine with is the fact that Madam and Master Yuan can care less about Yuan Zi Yan's whereabouts. That is convenient and easygoing!
The village is a few miles from the city; we rode a carriage, with a horse dragging it. Although sunny, Li ShiZhen remains outside walking because he would like to examine the native plants during the trip. Xiu Ying insists to stay beside me, so I brought her along.
Of course, she isn't used to this surrounding either. It is improper for a servant to rest inside the carriage so I couldn't bring Xiu Ying in the carriage with me.
I wish I could because I am now stuck with the devil, Xu Kai.
He insisted that we should minimize the amount of people because he don't want to receive a lot of attention. He only allowed Xiu Ying to tag along because otherwise, I will be the only female traveling with three other males, including the soldier who is riding the horse. That would kill my reputation, indeed.
But what if we do encounter danger?! Will two men be able to defend us four? I doubt Li ShiZen, with his flimsy arms, can do anything of use. I mean, I had done some research on sword fighting and self-defense while writing my novels. Perhaps that may be of use?
Silence prevails in the carriage.
Some time has passed. When I glance out the miniature window, the daylight is still present. If only I had a clock.
While my eyes dawdle around, I spot that the Co-Commander is resting his eyes. He sits a few feet away, in front of me. His hands are crossed together, with the specialized sword for brocade-clad guards on his right.
He is more beautiful when he is tranquil, that I can assure. A narrow facial shape with dark and long lashes paired up with a well-defined jaw. His full and symmetrical lip matches his protruding cheekbones.
Such a beautiful person, is someone I would entitle as the main character of a novel.
I shake my head in dissatisfaction. If only I met him in the present!
Soon, a feeling of exhaustion overwhelms me and my eyes close shut as well. When I awoke, I realize that the Co-Commander's eyes were on me. I jump in surprise, "Y-Yes, Sir Xu?"
He condescendingly sneers and fixates his glance at the carriage exit, "Nothing of concern."
How rude!
The rural village is quite different from the city. There are more impoverished areas, more people who are left to starve to death, more women and children who beg for food.
I sigh. I am grateful that I haven't had to suffer from malnutrition and poverty as much as them. Poor villagers. How can I help—
The sight of water plants and the plantation crops linger in my head as we pass by them.
Li ShiZhen brings us to the well the village uses and comments, "What's strange is that there aren't significant health problems, but there are exponential cases of skin burn, itching and drying of the skin, as well as upset stomachs. Some insinuates the problem is the food; some say it's the water supply. Through careful examination, it seems the food and water supply has been normal. Well, apart from the fact that the water tastes unpleasant than usual."
In Xu Kai's hands is a purple hydrangea; he twirls and observes the plant. "A few years ago, the hydrangea used to possess a purple color. Now they say an overwhelming amount of them are a blend of pink."
When I heard about the water supply being unpleasant, the cases of skin burns, and the shift in hydrangea color, something came into my mind.
Bingo! Why haven't I thought of that earlier?
That's the breaking point.