Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Fearing that He Suifen might again entertain thoughts of withdrawing from the competition, Xu Mao did not linger. She swiftly handled matters in Baoping and set off overnight to find Wang Xingzhu.

Shang Fanzhi had escaped, nursing resentment, and was certain to seek revenge. Having previously been in contact with the Celestial God Sect, he also had channels to report to them.

If Shang Fanzhi was clever, he would understand that acting alone would not suffice for revenge. Leveraging others’ strength and using them as tools to achieve his goals would be far easier.

She had repeatedly trespassed on the Celestial God Sect’s sensitive areas and undermined their foundational teachings—would the sect let her off? If they ignored this, they might as well be bodhisattvas.

Along her journey, Xu Mao exposed the deception of oil pot hand washing, waiting for the news to reach the Celestial God Sect’s ears, hoping they would come to trouble her on their own.

However, no sooner had Xu Mao left than a letter from Wang Xingzhu, after several detours, arrived in Baoping. The messenger, having missed her at the Jin Province Prefect’s residence, hurried to Baoping instead.

The messenger, clutching the letter, dismounted briskly and knocked on the Mo residence’s gate. Bending slightly, he asked the doorkeeper, Is Marshal Xu of the Loyal Army still in Baoping?

The doorkeeper widened his eyes in surprise, scrutinizing the messenger as if verifying his identity. After a moment, he shook his head and replied, Marshal Xu has already departed for Yanlin.

The messenger bit his tongue and yelped in pain, covering his mouth.

Despite rushing as fast as he could, he had still failed to catch up.

Cursing his luck inwardly, the messenger thought: the letter was sent from Yanlin, and now it would have to go back—what was the point? All this back and forth for nothing after so much effort!

Though he grumbled, the messenger knew the letter must be delivered. Thanking the doorkeeper, he immediately remounted, tightened the reins, and urged his horse to chase after Xu Mao’s main contingent.

Unaware that Wang Xingzhu’s letter was about to return to Yanlin, Xu Mao led her group into the city. Having stayed here before, the venue and supplies were already in place; with minimal tidying, they settled in.

Once settled, Xu Mao went to see Wang Xingzhu. She recalled that Wang Xingzhu had chosen the Jin family in Yanlin, providing a perfect opportunity to investigate Chou Niang further.

Xu Mao came fully prepared, bringing a few guards for appearance and Wu Hongying, who was temporarily free, as an attendant. Xu Heng, unwilling to leave her side, joined as well. Thus, a streamlined team arrived at the Jin family’s doorstep.

Upon hearing Xu Mao’s self-introduction, the Jin family maid promptly invited them in, leading the way to the reception hall. Tea and snacks were served attentively, offering generous hospitality.

Xu Mao lifted the tea bowl for a sip, filling her mouth with a fresh fragrance. Unlike the commonly popular tea soup nowadays—loaded with various seasonings and boiled into a salty, spicy hodgepodge—this bowl from the Jin family seemed different.

Surprised, she looked down: the tea was clear, with dried flowers and fruits floating inside. It appeared not to have been decocted but brewed, infused with the floral aroma and the sweet-tartness of the fruits. Additional honey seemed to have been added, enhancing the fragrance, removing any astringency, and making it sweet, refreshing, and pleasantly fragrant.

Gazing at this bowl of tea, Xu Mao’s mind swirled with countless thoughts.

This was her first time drinking flower and fruit tea in this life. The last time she had it was when the world had just been stabilized, she had become the princess of the new dynasty, and her subordinates went to great lengths to please the emperor with various novelties, among which were carefully cultivated precious flower varieties and dried fruits brewed into tea. She benefited from this and received a small share.

So it turns out that flower and fruit tea was already being consumed among the common people at this time. She had thought it was only popular among the nobility, and the timing seemed slightly earlier as well.

Xu Mao silently marveled at this. She lifted her face and, out of the corner of her eye, inadvertently noticed that Wu Hongying and the accompanying soldiers looked astonished and curious—all except one person.

Xu Heng remained composed and remarkably calm.

Xu Mao couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Given her temperament, this shouldn’t be her reaction upon tasting it for the first time.

Just then, the sound of footsteps interrupted Xu Mao’s thoughts.

Jin Feiyu quickly approached Xu Mao, beaming with a smile, and said respectfully, Marshal Xu, what an honor to have you here. I apologize for not welcoming you properly. Are you here to see Lady Wang?

Xu Mao quickly snapped back to attention. From Jin Feiyu’s appearance, age, and demeanor, she deduced her identity. She stood up, straightened her collar, and gave a simple bow. Thank you, Lady Jin, for taking care of Xingzhu all this time. Mao is deeply grateful.

Jin Feiyu’s smile faded slightly as she replied earnestly, Marshal, what are you saying? Lady Wang is an old friend of mine. Taking care of her is only natural. Moreover, Marshal Xu’s reputation for benevolence and righteousness has spread throughout Yanlin. You are a person destined for great deeds, and I am willing to offer my humble efforts to support your grand cause and help you bring prosperity to the people.

She spoke with sincerity, but while Xu Mao wore a cheerful expression on her face, alarm bells rang loudly in her mind. She quickly added Jin Feiyu to her list of dangerous individuals, someone to guard against strictly and monitor closely to avoid any unexpected surprises from her.

What line of work is Xingzhu currently engaged in? Why haven’t I seen her around? Xu Mao turned to look around but still hadn’t spotted Wang Xingzhu, which piqued her curiosity.

Jin Feiyu’s expression shifted slightly, her gaze evasive, and a hint of embarrassment flashed in her eyes. She averted her gaze, unable to look directly at Xu Mao, and quickly brushed it off as if it were nothing. Oh, her? She’s helping me inspect the shops.Xu Mao keenly sensed that something was off, slightly raised her eyebrows, and a guess surfaced in her mind. She strode up to Jin Feiyu, closed the distance, and said: Really? Lady Jin, there’s no need to cover for her. Tell me, what is she doing? I know my people—no matter how bizarre, unusual, or outlandish her actions may seem, she must have her reasons for doing so.

So feel free to speak openly! Even if Wang Xingzhu is indulging in food, drink, and pleasure, living in a drunken stupor, it’s fine!

Xu Mao looked at Jin Feiyu with great anticipation. She hadn’t expected the most promising one to be Wang Xingzhu, who had so quickly succumbed to the temptations and started neglecting her duties.

Jin Feiyu widened her eyes in surprise, never expecting Xu Mao to be so open-minded and unconventional in her thinking. No wonder Wang Xingzhu had also become so peculiar—she must have learned it from Xu Mao.

Today was the day Wang Xingzhu was testing her results. Better to seize the moment than wait for the perfect timing. It might be good for Xu Mao to witness it firsthand. If there were any issues, Xu Mao could persuade Wang Xingzhu to return to the right path.

However, judging by Xu Mao’s reaction, Jin Feiyu was somewhat uncertain. When the time came, it was hard to say who would be more engrossed in this than the other.

After hesitating for a long moment, Jin Feiyu mustered her courage, looked up, and said, Marshal, I’ll tell you, but please don’t be quick to anger. As you said, Xingzhu must have her reasons for doing what she does.

She first added a precautionary note, just in case, and continued explaining the background: Xingzhu has recently become obsessed with elixir crafting. She’s been visiting various Taoist temples for guidance, going to blacksmith shops to personally hammer cauldrons, insisting she must produce elixirs. She’s practically gone mad over it – modifying cauldron components day and night, skipping meals, and refusing to listen to anyone’s advice.

Xu Mao was slightly taken aback after hearing this. Elixir crafting?

Logically speaking, Wang Xingzhu didn’t seem like someone who had seen through the vanity of human life, nor someone who would resort to various means in pursuit of immortality.

Wang Xingzhu crafting elixirs.

These words put together felt utterly bizarre.

How did she suddenly get the idea to craft elixirs? Xu Mao couldn’t help but ask in surprise and doubt.

Jin Feiyu frowned deeply, trying hard to recall but finding no reason. She shook her head in frustration. I’m not too clear about that either. One day, Xingzhu suddenly came to me saying she wanted to craft elixirs, firmly claiming she had obtained a rain-praying method that could solve the drought.

Xu Mao grew even more puzzled, pondering, What does elixir crafting have to do with praying for rain…

Could it be that she wants to create rain-praying pills – take one and rain falls from the sky? How mystical! Wang Xingzhu must have been deceived!

Xu Mao couldn’t make sense of it. It wasn’t like the cannons used for artificial rainmaking where you fire special ammunition into the sky and rain naturally falls.

Artificial rainmaking!

Xu Mao seized this fleeting term, suddenly widened her eyes, and exclaimed involuntarily. Her originally mocking mood instantly turned tense, her body immediately shifting into alert mode.

Where is Wang Xingzhu now? Take me to her. The smile on Xu Mao’s face was immediately replaced by seriousness, as if facing a formidable enemy.

Xu Mao’s sudden change in expression and her muttering about artificial rainmaking left Jin Feiyu somewhat unable to keep up. After a moment’s pause, she came to her senses and said: Xingzhu said she would be testing elixir crafting today in a cave in the eastern suburbs outside the city. If successful, it would rain here.

Marshal, is something wrong? Has something major happened? I’ll take you there immediately! Jin Feiyu, startled by Xu Mao’s dark expression, grew anxious and immediately sent someone to prepare the carriage.

Xu Heng also looked at Xu Mao in confusion, asking: Elder sister, what is artificial rainmaking?

Xu Mao patted her head and sighed: It means making rain happen by utilizing conditions and tools ourselves, instead of relying on heaven to send rain. But currently it’s just a good idea – we still can’t create the tools to induce rainfall.

Xu Heng seemed to understand vaguely: Is Wang Xingzhu making rainmaking tools? Is elder sister so worried because you know the tools can’t be made and fear Wang Xingzhu might get hurt?

Xu Mao, anxious to find Wang Xingzhu, nodded hastily.

She only hoped Wang Xingzhu wouldn’t have any more sudden inspirations and pull such a stunt. For Wang Xingzhu, it was both dangerous – without protective measures, unsafe – and nearly scared her to death.

Xu Mao and her party hurried to the eastern suburbs outside the city. The horses pulling the carriage ahead were whipped urgently, neighing as they quickly picked up their pace. The carriage wheels tilted, almost about to fly off.

When they finally reached the mountain, the path became too narrow for the carriage, forcing them to proceed on foot. Xu Mao felt as if she had just emerged from a washing machine, leaning against a tree trunk and retching for a long while, dizzy and lightheaded, swearing never to ride in such a fast carriage again.

Elder sister, have some water. Xu Heng took down the water bottle she carried, pulled out the wooden stopper, and handed it to Xu Mao.

Xu Mao drank some water and felt a bit better. Wiping the water droplets from her lips, she said, Let’s go. We need to hurry into the mountains to find Wang Xingzhu.

As soon as she finished speaking, a deafening roar erupted from the mountains, like a thunderbolt striking the earth. The ground shook violently, and the sheer force of it was overwhelming.

Xu Mao’s face turned deathly pale, and only one thought crossed her mind.

It’s over.

Either Wang Xingzhu was done for, or she was.

Her vision went black, her body tilted backward, and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Marshal! the crowd exclaimed in alarm.

Elder sister— Xu Heng cried out, his face full of terror.

When she opened her eyes again, Jin Feiyu and the others’ worried faces came into view. Xu Heng was crouched beside her, gripping her hand and calling out anxiously, Elder sister, what’s wrong?

Xu Mao suddenly felt an itch on her wrist. She pulled her hand back to scratch it and, fighting off dizziness, struggled to her feet. I’m fine, don’t worry about me, she reassured Xu Heng.

[We sincerely apologize. Log upload failed. Please note to back up your data. You may attempt to send the data again after the gameplay session ends.]

Xu Mao dismissed the system notification. Upload failures were common, and she had grown used to them.

Hurry, let’s go into the mountains and check the situation inside, Xu Mao urged, her face still pale. Her hands trembled uncontrollably as she shakily leaned on a tree branch and made her way into the mountains.