Chapter 64 Simply Outrageous

"Good stuff, this jade-spotted ring is excellent, full of spiritual energy—this Empress likes it!" Ruo Xi beamed, smiling at Ci Xin: "Like, like, this Empress approves of you!"

"Hahaha, look, this little one just smiled at me, the Imperial Tutor!" Ci Xin burst into laughter, waving his wide sleeves and saying, "Alright, for the sake of this little girl, I'll accompany you all on this journey!"

Xiaoyue smiled but said nothing.

In truth, having Ci Xin along did make her feel more secure.

Xiaoyue didn't have many friends; apart from Liu Ru Shi, the granddaughter of Chancellor Liu, there was only Wen Xu.

Wen Xu's character matched his name—gentle as water. He was very kind to her and loyal to the entire royal family of Great Wei.

During the six years in the General's Mansion, Xiaoyue knew that even though she stubbornly refused to see the royals, Wen Xu would still frequently inquire about her well-being. He would then send medicine through someone else for her and Lin'er.

Thus, when she woke up and saw Wen Xu again, he could quickly learn about Lin'er's condition and help her leave the General's Mansion.

Throughout Xiaoyue's growing years, there was another person who left a deep impression on her.

It was Ci Xin.

He was originally a prince from the Southern Moon Kingdom and had entered the renowned Cangming College early, becoming the last disciple of the Dean, Bai Cangming.

Xiaoyue met Ci Xin when she went to Cangming College at eight years old. After passing the assessment, she was also chosen as an inner disciple by the Dean.

When the Dean was unavailable, Ci Xin would teach Xiaoyue.

So, they became very familiar with each other.

Especially Ci Xin's abilities; few in this world could match him in combat.

This man always claimed to be a monk, yet over the years, he remained untouched by worldly affairs, enjoying wine and meat, and leaving romantic entanglements in every city he visited.

"Since you love children so much, you must have quite a few out there, right?" Xiaoyue teased, seeing Ci Xin holding her daughter affectionately.

"Nonsense, this Imperial Tutor is still..." Ci Xin glanced at Xiaoyue and said, "Emperor, do you know who the biggest bandit leader in the One-Line Sky area is now?"

"The way you put it makes me think it's someone both Yue'er and I know!" The emperor took a sip of tea from the table inside the carriage and said, "Five years ago, General Yuan Hui suffered a severe defeat due to misjudging the enemy at the border of Xiyue. His troops were devastated. Later, it was rumored that he died at the border or fled back to Great Wei and went north..."

"Hmm, seems our Emperor isn't completely oblivious!" Ci Xin chuckled.

"I've reviewed the recent bandit suppression reports, and their tactics are identical to those of Yuan Hui!" Xiao Yin added.

"What do you plan to do with him?" Ci Xin asked.

"Yuan Hui, why does that name sound so familiar?" Ruo Xi, after being fed a sip of water by the devilishly handsome man, suddenly found the name familiar.

She immediately entered the space mentally.

"Yuan Hui, a famous general of Great Wei, was defeated in battle against Xiyue due to betrayal. He later became a bandit in the mountains. During Great Wei's dire times, he led hundreds of bandits down the mountain to defend the northern border, ultimately dying in battle."

Ruo Xi finished reading the historical record and murmured, "This Yuan Hui seems to be a valiant man. If Uncle Emperor can recruit him, he might become a formidable general!"

Xiaoyao heard her daughter's thoughts and glanced at the emperor, raising an eyebrow, forming a plan: Since the Emperor can't hear Xiao Xi'er's thoughts, once we reach Huai County near One-Line Sky, I'll find Yuan Hui!

In the past, she had secretly followed her brother into the border region and met Yuan Hui.

So, when she heard that the bandit leader was Yuan Hui, she was shocked.

Xiao Yin looked at his niece in Ci Xin's arms, his eyes gleaming: Xiao Xi'er truly is a divine baby. Her predictions align with my thoughts—Yuan Hui is a capable general. I've been searching for him, never expecting the bandit leader to be him. This trip north was indeed the right decision!

The carriage moved steadily northward.

With the weather turning cold, the supplies needed to reach the troops before the snow blocked the mountains.

Moreover, they carried dozens of carts filled with food, clothing, and silver, making the journey less than safe.

Despite the presence of the emperor's black-armored guards, encountering bandits would still be troublesome.

The carriage stopped outside a county for a rest.

"Your Majesty, ahead is Su County!" Eunuch Gao reported.

"Why are there so many people on the roadside? What's happening with them?" Lady Jin asked, her voice filled with caution, "Baiyu, please send someone to check it out!"

"Sure!" Baiyu nodded and sent a few men to investigate.

"These are refugees from the city," Baiyu reported upon returning.

"Refugees from the city?" The emperor, holding his niece, looked at the crowd ahead: "Everyone from the city has come out?"

"Yes, they say a celestial master is performing rituals in the city." Baiyu explained.

"A celestial master performing rituals?" The emperor and Ci Xin turned to Baiyu.

"I inquired carefully. They said that Su County has been plagued by an epidemic recently, and it hasn't rained in half a year. Even the wells have dried up. Only one well in the county government still has water, but anyone who drinks from it gets swollen bellies. The doctors have examined the water and found no issues!"

Baiyu relayed the information he had gathered to the emperor.

Xiao Yin gently patted his niece, hoping she would provide some insight.

He was surprised to realize that in just a month, he had come to rely entirely on a baby.

He, the new emperor of Great Wei, who had ascended the throne by stepping over the corpses of his father and brother!

He, for the past three years, has stabilized the teetering Great Wei and intimidated the chaotic court.

Now, he actually expects a baby to come up with solutions?!

That's truly outrageous!

"Great Wei was never stable. Within these cities, there are always some petty troublemakers scheming to rebel. This Taoist priest can go and meet them. As for the wells... well, just pray for rain." Ruo Xi thought offhandedly.

Pray for rain?!

The emperor looked up at the sky, feeling even more melancholic.

Indeed, the climate in Great Wei is extremely peculiar.

Great Wei is located in the central part of the continent, with distinct seasons, making life quite comfortable.

However, the seasons in Great Wei are too distinct.