The carriage from Jun Jiuji's estate moved slowly for half a day. Only when Ye Yining woke up did it gradually gain speed.
However, when Ye Yining set up a small stove and miniature kitchenware to cook dinner in the carriage, it slowed down again.
Jun Jiuji watched as Ye Yining ignited the small stove and chuckled softly,
"The things Ye Yining fancies are genuinely adorable!"
The cutlery was palm-sized and intricately crafted, as charming as Ye Yining's delicate face.
Ye Yining proudly raised her eyebrows.
"Don't underestimate them! Though they're small, they're highly practical."
Despite the small stove being filled with firewood, she was actually using an illusionary fire.
The noodles in the small jade bowl were soft and pliant in her hand, providing an amusing tactile experience.
Furthermore, she had secretly enlisted the aid of the Chef Spirit. In no time, she had prepared ten dainty and delightful shrimp dumplings in a tiny pot.
Jun Jiuji found it quite pleasant as she used an exquisite jade plate to serve them.
"Ninth Brother, give it a try!"
Ye Yining handed him a prawn dumpling, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Jun Jiuji obliged, taking a bite and smiling,
"It's delicious. Ye Yining, you're an excellent cook!"
The flavour was astonishing, surpassing even the palace's imperial chefs.
Ye Yining's interest in cooking heightened after gaining Jun Jiuji's approval. She even volunteered to cook dinner for everyone.
Late at night, the carriage halted on the road.
Ye Yining assumed Jun Jiuji wanted everyone to rest, but Ye Ze brought two large bags.
"Princess Consort, these are the seeds you requested."
Ye Yining was thrilled and immediately opened one of the bags.
As she rummaged through it and stashed a few bags in the Medicine Spirit Immortal Residence, she planned to find a suitable time to plant them again. However, as soon as she placed the seed inside, a vivid scene unfolded in her mind.
Once the medicinal seeds entered the Spirit Medicine Immortal Residence, they unpacked themselves and planted in the most ordinary piece of land in the medicinal garden, requiring no additional effort.
Ye Yining was stunned and took a while to regain her senses.
This was incredibly convenient!
Jun Jiuji affectionately ruffled her hair.
"Are you ready for an early night? There are no inns nearby, and we have to travel through the night."
"Yes," Ye Yining agreed, her back aching from sitting for so long.
With so many seeds now, her attention was fixed on the Medicine Spirit Immortal Residence.
Sitting there grew tedious, so she decided to lie down. When Jun Jiuji wasn't looking, she reached into the bag of seeds.
Jun Jiuji, with excellent night vision, only smiled upon seeing her actions.
This girl, was she trying to count the seeds like sheep to fall asleep?
Unaware that she'd been noticed and misunderstood, Ye Yining's consciousness delved into the Medicine Spirit Immortal Residence.
As dawn approached, the carriage suddenly jolted violently and came to an abrupt halt.
Ahead, the cries of people and the pitiful neighs of horses filled the air.
Ye Yining woke up instantly, and Jun Jiuji swiftly raised the curtain.
"Master, the Crown Prince's convoy has been attacked!" Xue Ying's voice came from outside the carriage.
Startled, Ye Yining was beginning to feel pleased about the Crown Prince's misfortune, but Jun Jiuji's words alerted her that something might be wrong.
As she pondered, Ye Ze's voice came from outside.
"Master, the assailants have plundered the Crown Prince's team of silver and supplies and are preparing to depart."
Given the Crown Prince's intentions to attend the Cloud Border City auction and make substantial purchases, he undoubtedly carried a significant amount of silver notes.
Ye Yining was taken aback by this revelation.
Were they attacked solely for robbery?
This scenario hadn't occurred in her previous life.
However, knowing the Crown Prince's plans for the auction, he must have brought a substantial sum of silver.
Those daring to rob the Crown Prince displayed great audacity.
With this in mind, she anxiously turned to Jun Jiuji.
"Ninth Brother, did you carry silver in the carriage?"
Jun Jiuji smiled, patting her head.
"I have some silver, but not a considerable amount. I also have silver notes."
Ye Yining fell silent for a moment, then tugged at Jun Jiuji's sleeve.
"How about I keep your silver safe for you?"
Jun Jiuji's eyes briefly held a trace of amusement.
"Ye Yining wants to help me manage the accounts?"
Ye Yining initially nodded, then quickly shook her head.
"Just the silver."
Jun Jiuji smiled and granted her request.
"Then I'll entrust you with it."
As he finished speaking, he lifted the curtain and instructed Ye Ze,
"Bring the silver boxes to the princess consort."
"Yes," Ye Ze acknowledged and swiftly arranged for the boxes to be moved.
Moments later, Ye Ze returned with two large boxes brimming with silver.
The boxes were placed inside the carriage. Ye Yining refrained from opening them, but a warm feeling filled her heart.
Being trusted felt comforting!
Just as she contemplated a reason to move these boxes into the Medicine Spirit Immortal Residence, the sound of arrows slicing through the air and the distant thundering hooves grew louder.
"Master, those people are approaching us!" Ye Ze exclaimed in surprise.
"Protect the carriage!" Jun Jiuji commanded sternly before turning his gaze to the young girl in his arms.
"Stay in the carriage. Do not venture out."
Ye Yining swiftly retrieved her whip from her waist.
"Ninth Brother, don't worry about me. I can defend myself."
Jun Jiuji lifted the curtain and peered outside. He then gently ruffled Ye Yining's hair.
"Good girl! Stay put! There are many archers lying in ambush out there. I'll step out and assess the situation."
With that, he had already lifted the curtain and departed.
Although Ye Yining was eager to disembark from the carriage, she restrained herself.
She cautiously lifted the curtain for a glimpse, only to see shadowy figures in black masks darting through the morning mist, accompanied by arrows raining from all directions.
Ye Yining felt a surge of shock and anxiety. She swiftly moved everything inside the carriage into the courtyard of the Medicine Spirit Immortal Residence.
Then, she began to search for Jun Jiuji in the dim light.
Before she could locate him, a deafening explosion echoed from outside. In the next instant, horses whinnied and bolted uncontrollably, creating chaos.
Ye Yining sensed that their carriage was also careening out of control. She reacted swiftly, leaping from the carriage.
Before she could even turn around to assess the situation, Jun Jiuji, having just dispatched a black-clad assailant, scooped Ye Yining off the ground and retreated with haste.
Just as they were about to distance themselves from the turmoil, the carriage they had occupied was struck by a powder keg and erupted into a resounding blast.
Ye Yining turned her head and observed the scene from a distance.
Who dared to employ gunpowder in this situation?
Jun Jiuji's countenance darkened instantly, his obsidian eyes seething with boundless anger.
He carried Ye Yining a considerable distance away and placed her in a secure spot before speaking.
"Ye Yining, stay here and don't move. I'll return shortly."
Ye Yining nodded obediently. "Be careful!"
Jun Jiuji gazed at her intently and departed swiftly.
Some people didn't want to live anymore, and he felt compelled to oblige.