Yan Ge walked up to the expert miners and asked, “Masters, how is it? Can you confirm if there is a vein here?”
One of the elderly miners, around sixty years old, stood up, approached him, and bowed before saying, “Replying to Yan Caiqing, when searching for veins, there are usually two methods. One is to observe if there is abundant vegetation on the ground, and the other is to examine the soil texture. It Is indeed suspicious that no grass grows here, but after careful investigation of the soil, we have not found any mineral content. If we want to know if there is a vein here, I’m afraid we need to dig deeper.”
Yan Ge nodded and inadvertently noticed a soldier under General Wei Chi who seemed to have something to say. He asked, “Does this soldier know something?”
General Wei Chi and the others also looked over.
“Captain Zhang, Yan Caiqing is asking you a question, so you should answer,” General Wei Chi said.
Captain Zhang walked up to Yan Ge, bowed, and said, “Reporting to Yan Caiqing, I’m from Dalin Village nearby. I’ve heard from the elderly that the reason why no vegetation grows here is due to frequent lightning strikes.”
Yan Ge’s eyes lit up. “Lightning frequently strikes here?”
“Yes, for some reason, lightning always seems to strike here whenever it rains.” Captain Zhang said.
Yan Ge smiled. There was only one reason why lightning would frequently strike a certain place. Other than the presence of the Zhantian Vine like in Thunder Valley, that reason was the presence of iron.
“I see. It turns out that way. It seems I was being delusional. Well, let’s forget about this matter. General Wei Chi, as I’m new to this place, would you be kind enough to accompany me for a casual walk around here?”
General Wei Chi said, “Why not? Yan Caiqing, please. Minister Luo Wei, I’ll leave this place to you for now.”
Minister Luo Wei said, “General, please rest assured.”
Yan Ge held Yan Jin’s hand and gradually moved away with General Wei Chi.
General Wei Chi signaled for his accompanying subordinates to step back a bit and then glanced at Yan Ge. He smiled slightly and said, “Yan Caiqing, do you have something to tell me?”
Yan Ge raised his eyebrows. “How did you know?”
General Wei Chi said, “Yan Caiqing, with the achievements you have made, it’s clear that you’re not someone who easily gives up. You must have discovered something.”
Yan Ge respectfully saluted him. “I have indeed made some discoveries. General Wei Chi, as a seasoned warrior with extensive experience, you should know that lightning is attracted to iron.”
“That’s correct,” General Wei Chi nodded. “Not only does lightning favor iron, but it also favors tall and large trees.”
“Exactly,” Yan Ge said. “If my guess is correct, there is indeed a vein hidden beneath Cuncao Valley, and it’s most likely iron ore. That’s why lightning is drawn to this place. If there truly is a vein here, It would be a tremendous fortune for our Great Han Kingdom. I know that it’s not far from the Youji Kingdom’s borders, and once this information becomes known to them, they might become covetous. Therefore, I would like General Wei Chi to arrange for trustworthy individuals among those who came with us to secretly lead the accompanying miners to dig deeper and explore.”
General Wei Chi exclaimed, “Yan Caiqing, your analysis is reasonable. If what you said is true, it would be a great blessing for our Great Han Kingdom! I never expected that besides being skilled in business, Yan Caiqing is also proficient in strategy. I admire you.”
“I dare not accept such praise,” Yan Ge smiled. “I have learned a few tricks from His Majesty.”
General Wei Chi laughed heartily. “Yan Caiqing, you are being modest. I will make the necessary arrangements!”
General Wei Chi immediately returned to the military camp and gathered a group of guards to Cuncao Valley who were originally stationed there to wait for news from Ah Fei and the others. Furthermore, he arranged for another group of soldiers to lie in wait near the border between the two kingdoms to prevent the Youji Kingdom from discovering any abnormalities on the side of Cuncao Valley.
Since there were only six accompanying miners this time and manpower was insufficient, some soldiers assisted them in digging under the guidance of the miners.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Yan Ge took Yan Jin to take a stroll in Nanrun City. General Wei Chi assigned Captain Zhang and another soldier, Feng Run, as their guides.
Captain Zhang and Feng Run unexpectedly got a half-day break, and they were quite happy. They changed into civilian clothes and accompanied Yan Ge and Yan Jin into the city.
In the southwestern region, there were not only many mountains but also forests. The scenery was different from that of the capital city, as if they were always walking among a group of trees. If they came here in spring or summer, it would surely be fascinating. However, it was currently winter, and the trees were barren, with withered branches, decaying leaves, and boring.
Nevertheless, the local architecture had its own unique characteristics, and there were also many delicious snacks. Yan Ge and Yan Jin had an enjoyable time wandering around.
“Captain Zhang?”
Yan Ge looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man of similar age to Captain Zhang, who was carrying a basket on his arm. He stood not far away, his gaze fixed on Captain Zhang, with a trace of tenderness in his eyes.
Captain Zhang quickly approached Yan Ge and said, “Young Master Qin, that person is my wife.”
Yan Ge nodded.
With his permission, Captain Zhang hurriedly walked to the man’s side and asked in a low voice, “Why are you here?”
The man whispered, “I came to the city to buy some fabric, preparing to make a cotton-padded coat for you. Who are these two?” He glanced at Yan Ge and Yan Jin curiously.
“They are young masters from the capital city,” Captain Zhang whispered.
“I see,” the man understood. “Since you have important matters, I will go back first.”
Yan Ge and Captain Zhang both seemed a little reluctant, but Yan Ge generously said, “Since we met by such a coincidence, why not walk together—if it doesn’t delay Captain Zhang’s wife from going home.”
Captain Zhang was delighted and quickly said, “Thank you, Young Master Qin. It won’t delay us. Our home is not far from Nanrun City. As long as we leave before the city gates close, it’ll be fine.”
Yan Ge signaled to Feng Run, and the two of them, along with Yan Jin, walked in front. They deliberately left Captain Zhang and his wife behind so that the couple could have a conversation.
Listening to Captain Zhang’s partner softly asking about his situation in the military, if he had enough to eat and wear, and Captain Zhang inquiring about the situation at home, such as whether the crops they hurriedly harvested during the heavy rain had become become rotten… Yan Ge’s enthusiasm diminished. He couldn’t help but think of Huangfu Yuchen, who was far away in the capital city, and couldn’t resist turning around to glance at Captain Zhan and his wife.
Although Captain Zhang and his wife weren’t as intimate as him and Huangfu Yuchen, their every move and glance were filled with warmth, showing that their relationship was good.
His hand unconsciously touched the jade pendant hanging around his neck that Huangfu Yuchen had given him. He wondered if Huangfu Yuchen missed him or if he was still upset with him.
Across the street about a hundred meters away, a handsome man in a black cloak stood behind a wall. He watched the direction Yan Ge went with a faint smile on his lips and let out a slight sigh.
Deng Mande whispered, “Your Majesty, I don’t understand. Since the day you learned that Yan Caiqing came to the southwest, it only took you half a day to arrange all the government affairs and then desperately chase after him. Now that you’ve caught up, why do you only follow him without revealing yourself?”
It turned out that the handsome man was none other than Huangfu Yuchen.
Accompanying him were Deng Mande, Gao Feng, Gao Yun, and two imperial guards.
Upon hearing Deng Mande’s words, Huangfu Yuchen remained silent.
Deng Mande tentatively asked, “Your Majesty, could it be that you’re still angry with Yan Caiqing?”
“How could I be angry with him?” Huangfu Yuchen’s gaze was still fixed on Yan Ge. “Because of my identity and the unresolved matters, Xiao Ge can only be confined in the capital city. How could I not feel distressed? The reason he wanted to come here, besides exploring the veins, might be to have more space for himself. If that’s the case, I will fulfill his wish. I only need to ensure his safety.”
Deng Mande said, “I saw that Yan Caiqing bought many things in pairs along the way. It’s obvious that he has you in mind.”
Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes overflowed with a smile and indulgence. “He has a conscience.”
Yan Ge’s mood suddenly became a little down, but Captain Zhang and his wife didn’t notice. Feng Run, on the other hand, sensed it. He saw Yan Ge turn around and glance at Captain Zhang and his wife, and immediately understood that Yan Caiqing might be thinking of His Majesty. He secretly sighed at the deep affection between Yan Caiqing and His Majesty. “Young Master Qin, there’s a shop selling delicious dried fruits ahead. The Little Master might like it. Would you like to take a look?”
“Okay,” Yan Ge replied casually.
Feng Run deliberately lingered for a while, falling behind Yan Ge, and quickly signaled to Captain Zhang.
Captain Zhang raised his eyebrows in confusion, not understanding what was happening.
But his partner was quick-witted. He caught Feng Run’s gesture and upon understanding, blinked at Captain Zhang. He stopped walking, and said, “Young Master Qin, Brother Feng, it’s getting late. I should also leave and not disturb you anymore.”
Captain Zhang finally understood what was going on and scratched his head with a slightly flushed face.
Yan Ge said, “Since that’s the case, Captain Zhang’s wife must take care.”
Without the stimulation from Captain Zhang and his wife, Yan Ge’s mood improved slightly. They arrived at a dried fruit shop and bought a lot of preserved fruits. Among them, there were some dates with the pits removed. The taste was sweet but not greasy, and extremely delicious. Yan Ge secretly bought some more and put them in the system backpack.
It’s needless to say that Yan Jin, the snack lover, had the shopkeeper pack a large bag for him, which Feng Run carried on his back.
Feng Run glanced at Yan Jin’s flat stomach and couldn’t help but admire him. He wondered where all the snacks the child had eaten along the way had gone.
“It’s getting late. Let’s head back,” Yan Ge said.
“Yes.”
Yan Jin reached out to Captain Zhang. “Hug.”
Captain Zhang quickly picked him up and carefully adjusted his fur hat, making sure the wind wouldn’t blow onto his neck.
Yan Ge gently patted Yan Jin’s head. “You know how to enjoy yourself.”
Yan Jin retorted, “If you were with Father, I’m sure you would also enjoy yourself.”
Yan Ge pretended he was going to slap him.
Yan Jin: “Run, Captain Zhang!”
Yan Ge burst into laughter as Captain Zhang held Yan Jin and ran ahead.
Feng Run hurriedly called out, “Slow down! Be careful not to let the wind blow into the little master’s mouth.”
When they returned to the military camp, the sun was about to set.
Surprisingly, there was no one to greet them at the camp’s entrance. Yan Ge felt a bit puzzled, but he didn’t think too much of it. He told Feng Run, “I’ll go back to my room first. You go and see if dinner is ready.”
“Yes.”
Yan Ge and Yan Jin walked towards their quarters. Yan Jin asked, “Are you still hungry after eating so much in the city?”
“It’s not me who can’t stop eating, it’s you,” Yan Ge glanced at him.
Yan Jin giggled, “Although the capital city is bustling, you can’t find everything there. Father, the pastries we bought today called ‘You Haguo were delicious.”
“I also thought the taste was good. Tomorrow, I’ll have them buy more and let everyone taste them.”
After sitting down in their room for a while, hot water and hot tea were delivered by the soldiers. They washed their faces, cleaned their hands, and then the meal arrived.
“It’s hot pot.” Yan Jin knew the smell as soon as he detected it and quickly walked to the table. Hot pot was not only Yan Ge’s favorite but also his.
Yan Ge smiled, “It seems like everyone knows that I love hot pot.”
The soldiers who delivered the food also smiled, but their smiles seemed a bit strange.
They exchanged glances and one of them said, “Yes, it’s true. It’s just that the cooks in our camp are not very skilled. If the food doesn’t meet Yan Caiqing’s taste, please forgive us.”
Yan Ge waved his hand. “When it comes to food, of course, it’s best if it looks, smells, and tastes good. But the main thing is to fill our stomachs. You’ve all worked hard. You don’t need to serve us here. Go and have your meal.”
