A Sword of Frost - Chapter 2

A Theft In The Palace (1.2)

Ji Yanran was very satisfied, “Then we will leave tonight.”

Yun Yifeng was puzzled, “Where are we going?”

Ji Yanran replied, “Naturally, to Han Wu City.”

Yun Yifeng said, “Naturally?”

Ji Yanran reminded him,  “Blood Ganoderma Lucidum.”

Yun Yifeng, “…”

Yun Yifeng said, “I will prepare my carriage for tonight and await for Your Highness here.”　　　

Until all the people from Feng Yu Sect had left, the attendant hesitated before speaking, “Master, the Blood Ganoderma Lucidum is a sacred item that has only appeared in rumours——”

Ji Yanran interrupted him, “I have never seen it before, I just made it up.”

The attendant was worried, “I am afraid that will cause trouble in the future.”

Ji Yanran asked in return, “Aside from this, can you think of another way to persuade Yun Yifeng to cooperate with us willingly?”

The attendant fell silent. Feng Yu Sect’s wealth could rival that of the country and, apart from the Blood Ganoderma Lucidum, there weren’t many other things that could be used as a bargaining chip. 

“Let’s use that as bait for the time being. When the time comes or when we are about to be exposed, we can come up with a new excuse.” Ji Yanran picked up his wine cup, and finished it with a toss of the head, “Finding the relic is critical.”

That night, Yun Yifeng arrived on time. He was still wearing a flimsy white coat and still coughed as if he had contracted tuberculosis. Even Ji Yanran unconsciously took a couple of steps back. He did not understand what was wrong with this man. Perhaps annoyed by the coughing fits, Ji Yanran finally shrugged off his cloak and handed it to Yun Yifeng, who did not refuse the offer. As he grabbed the cloak, their fingers touched and that moment of contact felt like a raging fire. 　

Ji Yanran was a little surprised and raised his head to look at him, but the slender figure had already gotten in the carriage with the curtain drawn down tightly.　　

The coachman flicked his whip, and the two carriages drove out of Feng Yu Sect one after another, heading northeast. The rest of their attendants and disciples followed closely while  riding on horses, leaving billows of dust in their wake. 

As Yun Yifeng leaned on an ice-cold jade stool, his lips were quite pale. Han Wu City was located in the northeast, a long way from Chun Lin City. If it weren’t on account of the Blood Ganoderma Lucidum, no matter how much gold was offered, that chronically sick person with half a life left wouldn’t even travel half a step.  

Both parties had their own agendas and the deal was conducted in a good manner. The journey was mostly peaceful until they passed Tian Shui City, where they encountered a minor issue. The wait staff at the inn mentioned that there happened to be a poetry convention in the city, hence literati from all over were staying at their inn and so, they only had one room left. 

Ji Yanran was quite gracious, “Let the Master of Feng Yu Sect have the room. I will send someone up to do the cleaning.”

The inn waitstaff hurriedly said, “Our inn is the best around. The room is already very clean, our esteemed guest need not clean up more.”

However, the young servant of the Ji’s had already disappeared up the stairs, carrying with him a broom and baggage.

Yun Yifeng said, “Thank you very much.”

“Let’s eat something first.” Ji Yanran said, “We have been travelling for several days and it’s been hard on Master Yun.”

“There’s still half a month left until we arrive at Han Wu City.” Yun Yifeng flipped through the menu and ordered himself a bowl of braised pork ribs noodles. “Your Highness still doesn’t plan on telling me why we are heading Northeast?”

“It’s because of the relic.” Ji Yanran said, “I received news that the stolen relic would be concealed among a batch of pearls and emeralds, and transported by Yue’s Escort to Bai Sha Country.”

“Oh I see.” Yun Yifeng smiled, “Your Highness already has a plan in place, and Feng Yu Sect doesn’t have to do anything. The real reason you wanted me to come along is to ensure that no one else can come to me to find out the whereabouts of this relic?”

“That is one of the reasons.” Ji Yanran said, “Another thing is that the Master of Feng Yu Sect is quite popular in the pugilistic world. It will be much easier for you to speak with people or do things compared to a member of the Imperial Court.”

Yun Yifeng said, “But I have very little contact with Yue’s Escort. If I suddenly visit them, it will appear peculiar.”

Ji Yanran disagreed, “With an influential figure such as the Master of Feng Yu Sect, everyone in the pugilistic world will be happy to become friends with. If the Master of the Yue’s Escort Bureau finds out that Master Yun is in Han Wu City, surely he won’t ignore your presence.”

Yun Yifeng reiterated this, “Do not cause trouble for me.”

“Naturally.” Ji Yanran handed the chopsticks to him, “I just want to retrieve lost property, and I don’t want to cause disputes. Moreover, sending the relics to another country, whether knowingly or not, is a serious capital crime. Knowing that, I’m sure the people of the Yue family will have to kowtow in gratitude and even treat you and I as they would treat their own fathers.”

Yun Yifeng shook his head, not wanting to continue the conversation further. He bowed his head and concentrated on eating his noodles. Although he looked elegant and beautiful, his taste in food was mundane and secular. That bowl of noodles was oily and covered with pork, Yun Yifeng did not bat an eyelid as he finished everything, until not even a single drop of soup was left. Having some hot food in his stomach finally brought some colour to his face and small beads of perspiration dotted his forehead. Ji Yanran handed his handkerchief to Yun Yifeng and tentatively asked, “Has Master Yun not yet recovered from his cold?”　　

“I’ve been poisoned.” Yun Yifeng didn’t bother hiding the fact, “Time is running out, so I am looking for the Blood Ganoderma Lucidum to save my life.”

Ji Yanran, “…”

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