newbobooks Chapter 162 Privileges
Chapter 162 Privileges
Ying Wuyou nodded slightly, then said nothing more. These guards were all bestowed upon her by the King of Qin—a total of one hundred. She had taken the time to learn about them, and most of the guards who left a deep impression had already been dispatched to various regions on missions, leaving only a few dozen by her side. She hadn't expected that those who remained were also quite capable. Indeed, in this era, those who could become guards were not ordinary people; most came from well-off families, were literate, and were rare talents.
Today, this guard named Zhou Xun caught Ying Wuyou's eye. Despite his young age, he was quite clever and quick-witted. It seems that there are still too few guards; she'll have to ask her father for more.
As for Zhou Xun, he's worth keeping an eye on. If, after a period of testing, it turns out he's truly exceptional and capable, then we might as well cultivate him properly; perhaps he can become a trusted and capable confidant in the future!
With these thoughts in mind, Ying Wuyou slowly boarded the carriage. Once seated, she softly instructed, "Return to the palace."
As soon as the words were spoken, two guards swiftly leaped onto the carriage and sat steadily on either side; the coachman skillfully took the center seat, raised the whip, and slowly steered the carriage toward Xianyang Palace. The wheels rolled forward, and the crisp, melodious sound of the horses' hooves seemed to be playing a homecoming song.
On the way, Ying Wuyou suddenly remembered the abacus and said, "Zhou Xun."
Upon hearing the shout, Zhou Xun quickly replied, "Your subordinate is here."
Ying Wuyou said, "When you reach the street corner ahead, get out of the carriage and go to Mo Li's residence to retrieve the item he has finished making. Then return to the palace and hand it over to me."
Zhou Xun respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey your orders!"
Accompanied by the crack of the coachman's whip, the ornately decorated carriage moved slowly forward. The wheels creaked softly over the stone pavement, as if telling a story untold.
Before long, the carriage finally arrived at the designated street corner. Zhou Xun nimbly leaped down, landing steadily on the ground. Meanwhile, Ying Wuyou, sitting inside the carriage, gently lifted a corner of the curtain, glanced in the direction Zhou Xun had left, and then closed her eyes again to rest.
The carriage continued its journey along the predetermined route, eventually passing through numerous palace gates and entering the magnificent Xianyang Palace. However, even after arriving at its destination, Ying Wuyou remained quietly seated in the carriage, showing no intention of getting up.
It should be noted that very few people in the entire Xianyang Palace could freely enter and exit by carriage. Apart from the current King of Qin, perhaps only the beloved Princess Jiayang had such an honor.
Ying Wuyou was able to enjoy such special treatment because of her enormous contributions. She was naturally overjoyed with this hard-won privilege. Before this, whenever she needed to leave the palace for official business, she had to walk step by step from Chaohua Hall to the palace gate.
That journey was quite long; even without stopping, it would take at least half an hour. Ying Wuyou had traveled this long route countless times. But since she was able to ride in a carriage in the palace, she suddenly felt that the road that had once made her so weary now seemed so short and easy to reach. This convenient experience of not having to walk made her feel incredibly comfortable and satisfied.
The carriage moved slowly and soon arrived at the gate of Chaohua Palace. Accompanied by the soft sound of hooves and wheels, the once quiet entrance to Chaohua Palace suddenly became lively.
Cui'er and Lan'er, who had been busy in the palace, immediately knew that their princess had returned upon hearing the familiar sound. They exchanged a glance and hurriedly ran out of the palace to greet her.
Ying Wuyou gracefully stepped down from the carriage, her beautiful and captivating figure instantly coming into view. Seeing this, Cui'er and Lan'er ran joyfully to Ying Wuyou.
Seeing the two panting as they ran over, Ying Wuyou couldn't help but smile and ask, "Why did you two rush out like that?"
Cui'er quickly replied, "Of course we came out especially to welcome Your Highness back!"
Upon hearing this, Ying Wuyou chuckled softly and said, "I'm already at the door, why would I need to make such a fuss to come out and greet me?"
Cui'er explained earnestly, "That won't do. Even if Your Highness has already arrived at the gate, we must still come out to greet you." Seeing their insistence, Ying Wuyou stopped dwelling on the matter and turned to walk into Chaohua Palace.
As they walked, Ying Wuyou casually asked, "Has anything unusual happened in the palace today? Is everything alright?"
Lan'er, who was standing beside her, quickly replied, "Your Highness, everything in the palace is normal today, and there is nothing unusual. Please rest assured, Your Highness." Ying Wuyou nodded slightly to indicate that she understood.
Upon entering the room, Lan'er quickly brought over some warm water, which Ying Wuyou sipped lightly. Cui'er said softly, "Princess, I heard that the Twelfth Prince has been released by Madam Zhao."
Ying Wuyou looked surprised and asked, "Oh? You were just released? This ordeal lasted for a whole year!"
Cui'er replied, "That's right. I heard that he's become so thin and emaciated from being locked up for a year."
Ying Wuyou nodded and said, "This is a matter between Madam Zhao and Ying Gaoya, and has nothing to do with us."
Cui'er nodded in agreement. Ying Wuyou waved for Cui'er and Lan'er to leave, and then rested for a while.
A moment later, Cui'er came to report: "Miss, a guard is waiting to see you outside the door."
Upon hearing this, Ying Wuyou knew that Zhou Xun had retrieved the abacus and said, "Please come in."
A moment later, Zhou Xun came in and presented an abacus. Ying Wuyou took the abacus, fiddled with it a few times, and finding it to be quite good, she said, "Thank you for your hard work."
Zhou Xun cupped his hands and said, "This is my duty."
Ying Wuyou nodded slightly and said, "If there is nothing else, you may leave now."
Zhou Xun bowed and said, "Your subordinate obeys." Then he turned and left as smoothly as flowing water.
Holding the abacus, Ying Wuyou fiddled with it for a few moments, and couldn't help but sincerely marvel at Mo Li's speed—truly astonishing! In just half a day, Mo Li had made the abacus as if by magic, and the feel of it was... wow, it was irresistible.
As expected, the Mohists were truly remarkable; this abacus was crafted with the exquisite skill of a work of art. Ying Wuyou played with the abacus for a while, then looked up at the sky outside before, like a lazy kitten, washing up and climbing into bed to sleep.