Time Travel: Pampered by the Aloof Prince-Chapter 359: Commander Zhou Really Says Something Surprising

Chapter 359: Chapter 359: Commander Zhou Really Says Something Surprising

Shen Xiheng felt that there was a hidden meaning in his words, but he couldn’t discern anything, so he didn’t ask further.

Gazing at the rising morning sun ahead, he remarked, "Qingzhou is quite far."

Located on the border of Dazhao and adjacent to Tulan, Qingzhou was a thousand miles away from the capital city, truly a case of remote mountains and distant waters.

Cailin joined the conversation, "Indeed, Qingzhou is remote. Even if one rides fast, it would take a month to get there."

Shen Xiheng nodded slightly and added, "At least we sent a batch of medicines and food first. The people of Qingzhou should be able to hold out for a while."

If they waited until they arrived, probably several more groups of people would have perished.

Cailin also felt somber, "It’s really a case of both natural disaster and man-made misfortune."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Hong, who had been silent all along, spoke coldly, "Natural disaster may not necessarily be the case. I’m afraid it’s all man-made."

Cailin, startled by his words, widened his half-closed eyes.

His impression of Zhou Hong was still that of a reticent head of the Imperial Guards, never expecting him to speak so... recklessly.

Cailin coughed twice and with a look urged Zhou Hong to speak less.

The prince was still present.

Although the affair in Qingzhou was something everyone understood well nearly two parts natural disaster, at least eight were due to Li Ming’an and the prefect of Qingzhou, Gu You.

But who would dare to speak the truth openly?

Zhou Hong sneered at Cailin’s cautionary approach; in his opinion, Li Ming’an was nothing but a disaster. What was there not to speak of?

Moreover, he hadn’t mentioned any names.

Shen Xiheng smiled faintly and turned to Zhou Hong, "Head Zhou really knows how to make shocking remarks."

His expression was mocking, but his tone somewhat cold, intending to remind Zhou Hong to be more restrained.

Even though Li Mingjue wouldn’t punish him for just a few words, there’s no guarantee that others wouldn’t use these words against him.

For now, everyone was in the same boat and could still show some tolerance to each other.

But once they returned to the capital and it was time to assess contributions and rewards, the situation would be quite different.

Although Zhou Hong still wore a look of disdain, he didn’t say anything more.

The group reached the place to board the ship in silence.

To travel to Qingzhou, one could take the land route or the river route.

Generally, the river route was faster as the rivers in each region were interconnected.

However, the land route would require crossing mountains and ridges, and there was no telling how much time it would delay.

Therefore, if one wished to arrive in Qingzhou sooner, the most reliable method was naturally to take a boat.

This time, apart from the dozen Imperial Physicians, there was a hundred-man guard escort, and it required five large boats to accommodate everyone.

After boarding the boat, Qi Yu stood blow at the bow feeling the breeze.

Li Mingjue stood beside her, and seeing her cheeks sunburnt, he advised, "The sun is strong outside, go in first and come out in the evening."

Qi Yu, already feeling a bit dizzy from the sun, didn’t refuse and, supporting herself on his arm, slowly made her way to the cabin.

Since it was an official vessel, the cabin was relatively spacious and comfortable, and had everything one might need.

The captain’s surname was Jia, and thus everyone called him Captain Jia. At over thirty, he was steady in his work and known for his stern face and strictness, earning him the nickname ’King Yan of Jia’ behind his back. frёeweɓηovel_coɱ

After learning of this epithet, Qi Yu took a closer look at Captain Jia.

Noticing his rough face adorned with a long scar, his seriousness, and meticulousness in work, she thought the nickname quite fitting.

Lunch was served on the top deck of the cabin, where it was bright, but looking out, one could only see endless water, which could be dizzying after a while. Everyone silently withdrew their gaze.

After lunch, they each returned to their rooms to rest.

The cabins on the boat were not very big, one person could fit quite comfortably, but with two people squeezed into the same room, there was only room for one bunk each.

Qi Yu was actually quite pleased with this arrangement, as it was so hot these days, she had been wanting to get away from the furnace-like presence beside her.

Hearing this, Li Mingjue swept an unhappy glance her way, and Qi Yu immediately plastered a smile on her face and fanned him, "Just kidding."

Each settled into their respective bunks, taking some time to rest.

Until a somewhat noisy commotion woke them up.

Li Mingjue was only feigning sleep, so he opened his eyes immediately upon hearing the disturbance.

Qi Yu, on the other hand, felt a little dizzy from the sway of the water, and it took her some effort to massage her temples and reluctantly get up.

"I’ll go check it out, you stay here and don’t move," Li Mingjue said as he donned his coat and walked briskly toward the door.

Qi Yu responded with a sound and continued to sprawl on the bed.

She, with a Combat Power of zero, better not add to the chaos. Even if something were to happen, she wouldn’t be of any help; not being a hindrance was already good enough.

With that thought in mind, she contentedly closed her eyes again.

She was thinking that nothing should happen on the boat.

But the next second, she was proven wrong.

There was clearly the sound of a fight overhead, interspersed with occasional screams that were rather chilling to hear.

Qi Yu frowned and, enduring the discomfort, climbed off the bed. Supporting herself on the wooden panels on both sides, she stumbled across the stairs, making her way to the upper deck.

No sooner had she poked her head out than she saw several fresh corpses lying on the ground.

The bodies were of shirtless men, soaked through, clearly having climbed up from beneath the water.

She shivered and before she could utter a word, she suddenly felt herself being yanked up by the collar.

When she regained her footing, she found a sword resting across her neck.

Qi Yu gritted her teeth and cursed inwardly.

Why did it always have to be her who was unlucky?

The person holding her hostage was one of the assassins but dressed slightly differently, in coarse clothes that made him look no different from the others working on the boat.

It was clear that someone had set their sights on them early, mixing in and waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Li Mingjue’s hand still held a bloodied sword, and upon seeing Qi Yu taken hostage, his eyes narrowed, and he said coldly, "Let her go."

The assassin was unmoved and even let out a mocking laugh, "Dream on!"

With that, he pushed the blade against Qi Yu’s neck an inch further, and instantly, a trail of fresh blood streamed down her fair neck.

Not to mention Li Mingjue’s expression looking grim, even Zhou Hong and Cailin were pale as ghosts.

When Shen Xiheng hurried over and saw this scene, he gasped for breath.

He grabbed Captain Jia by the collar and roared in rage, "Tell me, did you collude with them all along!"

Captain Jia shook his head repeatedly, "I’ve never seen this person on the boat before."

Shen Xiheng let him go and said coldly, "You better be telling the truth."

Captain Jia bowed his head, agreeing meekly, "This matter has nothing to do with me."

No sooner had he finished his sentence than a long sword swung in front of him.

Captain Jia’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the young girl pointing the sword at him, he furrowed his brow and demanded, "What do you mean by this?"

In a tense stand-off, Shi Zhou looked at him with an indifferent expression and said coldly, "You’re lying!"

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