Chapter 1321 - 997: Where Did He Get So Much Money?
The weather gradually got warmer.
At noon that day, they found a spot under the shade of a tree to rest and eat something. There weren’t many travelers on the road, but a few were scattered here and there. Despite being intimidated by the fierce appearance of the guards dressed in civilian clothes, the stunning beauty of the woman was too captivating to pass unnoticed.
While sipping a mouthful of water, Lu Xiao had already attracted numerous gazes.
Wo Xue brought some snacks to Shang Ruyi and whispered, "Master, as we move further, we need to be more cautious."
"Why?"
"We’ve crossed the Yellow River and are no longer in Dasheng’s territory. In case—" She cautiously glanced at the beautiful Lu Xiao sitting next to Shang Ruyi, unaware of how much she was becoming a sight for many. Shang Ruyi immediately understood and nodded, "I know."
After saying that, she handed the snack to Lu Xiao, saying, "Finish eating quickly, let’s continue our journey."
Lu Xiao asked, "Shouldn’t we rest a bit more?"
Shang Ruyi shook her head, "This stretch is quite chaotic. I’ve heard rumors of bandits around; it’s best not to linger too long."
Upon hearing this, Lu Xiao glanced around at the numerous guards surrounding them and then remarked, "I thought with all these people, at least we wouldn’t have to worry about bandits."
Shang Ruyi smiled faintly, "No matter how skilled the guards, one should never underestimate human nature."
"..."
"Especially now, when the world is in turmoil, countless people find themselves unable to afford food, turning to banditry to survive. When pushed to the edge, considerations become negligible."
Lu Xiao sighed.
Indeed, on this journey, particularly after leaving the Central Pass, one was greeted by nothing but desolation and damage. Formerly prosperous cities were now impoverished and in ruins, some villages entirely deserted, leaving only broken walls and crows sorrowfully cawing from barren branches, exuding profound chilly melancholy.
Lu Xiao remarked, "The world has turned out this way all because of Emperor Yang."
After these words, she suddenly seemed to remember something, turning to Shang Ruyi, "You won’t be upset by what I said, will you?"
Shang Ruyi glanced at her but remained silent.
Lu Xiao continued, "I thought you would defend him. After all, back in Jiangdu Palace, he treated you well."
Shang Ruyi said, "I do want to defend him, but I can’t argue against your words. As you said, during the time at Jiangdu Palace, he treated me very well, so yes, these words do make me unhappy."
Lu Xiao looked at her, "You and he back then—"
Shang Ruyi smiled faintly, "Didn’t Wang Shaoji mention anything?"
At the mention of Wang Shaoji, Lu Xiao’s expression slightly changed, the displeasure spread like a contagion to her emotions, but she merely took a deep breath and said, "His words are unpleasant, better off unheard. Besides, I never truly believed him."
Shang Ruyi laughed, "It’s right not to believe."
"..."
"Many men with ulterior motives love to fabricate scandalous rumors about women because rumors can easily ruin a woman. As women, we must not abet the villain, since rumors might someday target us."
"..."
"As for me and him, it’s all in the past, and I don’t wish to bring it up again; there’s no need."
Lu Xiao nodded gently, seemingly resonating with her comment on "scandalous rumors," and stated, "I know all too well."
After a moment of silence, she added, "He was the only one who didn’t disdain me."
Shang Ruyi’s gaze flickered slightly, turning to look at her.
Lu Xiao was naturally referring to Xiao Yuansui, her expression briefly dazed as if recalling something, she suddenly chuckled coldly, "Don’t be fooled by those men pampering me like a treasure; they only see me as a pretty outfit or accessory, something that enhances their vanity among men. But in truth, I am merely such a thing."
"..."
"When compared to fame, profit, status, I am nothing."
"..."
"No man would give up fame, profit, status for me."
Shang Ruyi sighed softly within her heart.
The notion was not that Lu Xiao saw through it thoroughly, but she had endured too much, suffered many harsh lessons, thus forming such conclusions. Yet Shang Ruyi knew that if she met the right person, even if trapped in dire danger, he would sacrifice everything and stake his life to rescue her.
There was no need to voice these thoughts in front of Lu Xiao.
Lu Xiao continued, "But he treated me differently."
Shang Ruyi responded, "Oh?"
"After I joined him, many tried to flatter him, some even attempted to coerce or entice him, even Zuo Heng asked for me."
"..."
"But he never agreed."
Shang Ruyi listened to her words with indifference, but when she mentioned "Zuo Heng," a sharp light flashed in her eyes.
Zuo Family’s rebellion leader’s grand momentum back then, although Da Ye Dynasty was now extinct and replaced by Dasheng Dynasty, many people and events had been buried by time, including his former heroic spirit and desperate end, yet some things still remained, even if only within people’s minds.
Shang Ruyi spoke, "You, have met Zuo Heng?"
Lu Xiao chuckled lightly, feeling her question redundant, "I joined Xiao Lang briefly after he submitted to Zuo Heng, naturally meeting him."
"Oh..."
Shang Ruyi nodded, her thoughts becoming slightly stagnant, failing to realize this aspect.
Nonetheless, for Zuo Heng to have sought Lu Xiao from Xiao Yuansui showcased her unrivaled allure back then, even after countless twists and turns along the journey, her charm was still unaffected.
Thus, Shang Ruyi smiled again, "Men, by nature, they’re greedy and lustful."
"..."
"But Zuo Heng doesn’t seem too much of a greedy person."
Lu Xiao wasn’t sure why she brought up Zuo Heng’s character, only glancing at her, "Oh?"
Shang Ruyi explained, "When rebels occupy towns, typically to reward their soldiers, they allow plundering, even massacres. Yet, such incidents rarely occurred in towns under Zuo Heng’s control, showing that he isn’t greedy, and he administers his troops rigorously."
Lu Xiao replied, "He managed his troops... even Xiao Lang mentioned he was adept."
"Yes."
"But to say he isn’t greedy is an overstatement."
"Oh?"
Shang Ruyi looked at him puzzled, "Why?"
𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
Lu Xiao said, "As you mentioned earlier, usually rebels allow their men to plunder for reward, yet he had enough money to reward his men, thus eliminating any reason to antagonize the civilians."
Shang Ruyi asked, "Where did he get so much money?"