C10 Enemies on the Side of the Road

Lo Li accepted the silver coins Xiao Leng handed her but didn’t actually go to buy medicine. Although she was a forensic doctor, she came from a long line of traditional healers. Her father and grandfather were renowned nationwide for their medical expertise, and as the only child in the family, she had certainly inherited their skills. Among her knowledge were remedies for scar removal and promoting healing, so she wasn’t worried about the scars on her face. In fact, if necessary, she might even add a few more marks to conceal her stunning beauty.

As the day wore on, Lo Li felt her stomach growling; she hadn’t eaten all day, and food was now her top priority. She wandered into the kitchen and rummaged around for a while. All she found was a few pounds of flour and some green onions, though there were plenty of seasonings. The kitchen at the Magistrate Court wasn’t usually this bare, but with Lin Feng leading an attack on Yancheng and the Prefectural Magistrate and his men defending the city gates, the servants had taken whatever rice, oil, and meat they could carry.

Lo Li knew she couldn’t be picky, so she washed her hands and started kneading dough to make some noodles. Just then, Xiao Leng came running in with his little legs, full of energy.

"Lo Li, there you are," her brother asked. "Can you cook? We haven't eaten yet. If you can, could you help us out a bit?"

Times were tough, and the magistrate's office had no budget. Xiao Zhu wasn't sure how long his savings would last, so they had to be frugal.

Lo Li nodded. "How about some noodles?"

Xiao Leng eagerly replied, "Sure, sure. My brother and I aren't picky. As long as it doesn't kill us, we're good."

Xiao Leng turned and left. Lo Li glanced at the dough she had already prepared, estimating it wouldn't be enough for three, especially since men tend to eat more. She decided to make extra and tossed in the remaining two pounds of flour.

In the front yard of the magistrate's office, Xiao Zhu was writing a report while Xiao Leng ground ink for him. Just then, two figures, one in black and one in blue, walked in from outside.

Xiao Zhu looked up, and upon recognizing the visitor, he quickly stood up. "Your Highness, when did you arrive in the city?"

Ximu Longchen waved a hand. "No need for formalities. I've found a lead on that item."

"Really? Where is it? Do you need any help?" Xiao Zhu was visibly pleased to hear about the discovery.

All of the Crown Prince's confidants knew that he had been enduring his uncle Ximu Liu's actions for the sake of his mother. The key to saving her lay in this item he had been searching for over twenty years.

Ximu Longchen shook his head.

"It's about the missing Princess Mingyue. Xiao Zhu, no matter the cost, you must find her. And try to ensure Lin Feng doesn't get to her first."

"Understood!" Xiao Zhu replied, nodding quickly.

"For now, Your Highness should stay at the Magistrate Court. It's safer here and won't attract attention," Xiao Zhu suggested.

"Agreed! That was our plan as well," Feng Wuqing answered on behalf of the Crown Prince.

Just then, a delicious aroma wafted through the air, drawing everyone's attention to its source.

Before long, a small, masked man approached, carrying a tray with two large bowls of noodles. The enticing smell was coming from those bowls.

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