Han Ye's hand holding the book paused and he looked at Ren Anle with a stern gaze. He had only decided on the route last night, how could Ren Anle know about it?
"To reach the Heavenly Capital of Mu one can take not only the official road but also two other routes, namely, Ten li sloped and Sankou Town. The former is a flat and wide road, while the latter is a winding and perilous path. As His Highness the crown prince is the pride of the heavens and is traveling in a carriage out of the capital, if I were Mu Wang, l would surely place those who block His Highness's entourage on the official road and at Ten li Slope."
Han Ye's expression changed as he picked up the book and said, "Oh? Why would Mu Wang hinder Gu?"
(Gu- me, used by the speaker to refer to himself in a humble or self-deprecating manner.)
"Your highness, it is quite peculiar that news of the flooding in Mu Tian Prefecture took ten days to reach the capital city, even after the refugees had already submitted their grievances. Isn't this rather strange? Only by arriving in Mu Tian Prefecture as quickly as possible can we uncover any traces of the incident. Although the journey from SanKou Town is filled with treacherous mountains and perilous waters, it is the shortest route despite its hardships." Ren Anle set down her steaming tea, her expression clear and profound.
Han Ye silently looked at the woman sitting across from him who was speaking calmly and confidently and praised her, "It seems that Ren daren has a great strategical abilities."
Ren Anle's eyes cunning and she spoke with arrogance, "Your Highness although you have three thousand beauties in th Eastern Palace of yours, it is truly difficult to find someone like me who can navigate both the court and the rivers and lakes."
(rivers and lakes - refers to the world outside of the court, where martial arts expert and other skilled individuals might reside.)
She lifted her head with a resolute expression as if determined to defend the city with her life. Han Ye's lips curved slightly and he was too lazy to continue arguing with her. He simply instructed, "Call me when we arrive at Sankou Town," and closed his eyes to rest.
Ren Anle hummed a tune as the luxurious and ostentatious carriage slowly mafe it's eay towards Sankou Town.
Half a day later, they arrived at Sankou Town and found a rural inn to stay in. With his distinguished air, Han Ye made the others into his servants except for Ren Anle. After humming for a while, Ren Anle changed into men's clothing and became the second young master. Han Ye allowed her to be playful and simply sat by the window drinking tea. Yuan Qin stood quietly behind him, looking miserable.
After Han Ye took a sip of the tea handed her in the carriage, she was temporarily requisition by the Eastern Palace as a maid. Ren Anle voiced her protest but the crowd prince dismissed her with a phrase, "wasting precious resources."
(wasting precious resources - describes the reckless squandering of resources and the failure to appreciate their values.)
As the evening approached a sudden heavy rain started to pour down, making a pitter patter sound on the window sill. Han Ye's eyebrows lightly furrowed his expressions slightly gloomy. If the rain will not stop the entire Jiangnan river would overflow it's banks, and would cause even greater calamities for the common people.
Ren Anle, fanning herself with a hand held fan leaned against the wooden staircase on the second floor, enjoying the sight of a beautiful man admiring the rain. She was quite content.
"Let me go!" The slightly agitated voice of a youth echoed through the corridor. Hearing this very familiar voice, both Han Ye and Ren Anle were started and looked outside.