Chapter 44

Liuyu was unaware of the conversation outside between Mo Lin and Mu Cang Shui. She continued to smile sweetly at Dan Sui, who was coughing from the water, and even helped her catch her breath.

After a moment, Dan Sui sprang back a foot in surprise, staring at the girl in front of her, her tongue seemingly tied.

“You… I… What about the Empress…?”

For a long time, the heat on Dan Sui’s face slowly faded. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

When she looked up again, her initial shyness had mostly disappeared.

“The Empress is right. I do like the Lord. If the Empress minds, then… I have nothing more to say.”

Dan Sui adopted a resigned, tragic expression, as if waiting for Liuyu to take action.

But to her surprise, Liuyu only let out a light laugh. She sat down, straightening her clothes, and gestured for the maid to bring the sweet treats to Dan Sui. In a casual tone, she said:

“Do you like sweets? Sit down and try this plate of honey-fried cherries.”

With such an easygoing tone, it hardly seemed as though she were speaking to a woman who coveted her husband.

Dan Sui, somewhat surprised, sat down.

Before her, the bright red honeyed fruit was served in a crystal dish, the cherries glistening with freshness. A small spoon was provided to scoop and eat them, and both the dish and the cherries were of considerable value.

However, for the Nine Netherworlds, the value of these fresh cherries far outweighs that of the glazed vessels.

They can also make glazed vessels, though with a slightly poorer finish, but these cherries, the Nine Netherworlds cannot grow them.

“Delicious,” Dan Sui remarked sincerely, “How are they made?”

She had eaten cherries before, but this method was a first for her.

The maid answered, “It’s not difficult. Just pit fresh cherries, cook them with honey, squeeze out the juice, then cook again with more honey. When the juice becomes as dark as amber, strain out the excess honey, and pour on some sweet cheese.”

Dan Sui marveled, “No wonder it’s so delicious.”

Both the cheese and honey were rare items found only on the tables of the aristocratic families.

“Too bad, such a delicious thing is so expensive to ship to the Nine Netherworlds,” she added.

Liuyu spooned up some honey-cooked cherries, her eyes full of genuine curiosity.

“Is it really impossible to grow cherries in the Nine Netherworlds? Is it the land or the water that’s the problem?”

Dan Sui couldn’t quite grasp the Empress’s thoughts.

Though the cherries were expensive to import to the Nine Netherworlds, for the eldest daughter of the Yinshan clan, it was nothing, and certainly not something to lament over or to ask her about.

But since this was something she had been researching herself, Dan Sui set down her spoon and answered seriously:

“Neither, it’s the miasma in the Nine Netherworlds.”

The land and water of the Nine Netherworlds were not barren. On the contrary, due to the large quantities of spiritual energy-rich minerals, the land was suitable for growing spiritual herbs.

However, due to the epidemic ghosts hiding in the mountains, the land was permeated with miasma, forcing the people to live in the cities.

But even the city land, after being tainted by miasma for years, could not grow flowers, let alone grains.

The plants that could survive in the Nine Netherworlds were those that had been naturally selected over generations to survive under the miasma, plants with extraordinary resilience.

As she reached this point, Dan Sui frowned deeply.

“If we can solve the problem of the miasma, the Nine Netherworlds could grow all kinds of immortal herbs and spiritual plants… It’s just that my skills are insufficient. I only learned a little bit about farming from my mother when I was young. Now, I can only figure things out slowly by myself, and I still haven’t found a solution. I truly feel guilty for not being able to live up to the Empress’s trust in entrusting me with Xiling City.”

Xiling City, second only to Ye Capital in scale, had the lightest miasma, making it the best place for researching farming.

Liuyu, however, sighed inwardly upon hearing this.

Her “slowly figuring it out” had already taken nearly a hundred years.

In her past life, Liuyu didn’t have many interactions with Dan Sui.

The few times they did interact were during the New Year feast in the Nine Netherworlds, when Liuyu, who didn’t enjoy greasy meats, barely picked at the dishes.

At that time, Mo Lin had taken all her leftover food.

Liuyu shot him several annoyed looks.

The leftover food either went to the servants or was thrown away. People of their status simply didn’t eat other people’s leftovers.

Dan Sui observed this scene, and privately remarked:

“Being picky, so many rules—skip a few meals, and you’ll learn.”

Unexpectedly, Liuyu overheard this.

At that time, Liuyu never imagined she’d go hungry herself, thinking that a few dishes didn’t matter, and Dan Sui was meddling too much.

Since then, Dan Sui had made an impression on Liuyu’s mind.

A few more times, Liuyu had visited the Nine Netherworlds’ government offices to check the accounts and happened upon scenes of Dan Sui and Mo Lin discussing matters.

It was the first time she saw her husband, who seemed to look at everyone like they were beneath him, listening so seriously to someone.

She stood there for a while, scoffing coldly, and turned to have Chaoming send a message to Mo Lin’s people, telling them not to come to the Spirit Gathering Platform for the next two months.

Later, when Liuyu heard of Dan Sui’s death, she learned that Dan Sui had managed to develop a method to grow grain in the Nine Netherworlds. However, due to the betrayal of the Jade-faced Spider, she was assassinated by a death squad sent by Dazhao. Before her death, she endured torture under the legalists but never revealed the location of the hidden formula.

Dan Sui died without ever tasting the new wheat that year.

Liuyu lowered her gaze, her long lashes hiding a fleeting sense of regret.

When she raised her head again, Liuyu smiled slightly.

“If you had the opportunity to learn the ‘Complete Book of Immortal Farming,’ but had to endure some hardships, would you be willing?”

…What did she just say?

Dan Sui was stunned for a long time before realizing what Liuyu had meant.

The “Complete Book of Immortal Farming” was a secret of the Xiangli family.

The “Spirit Field Moon Ordinance” in her hands, which she had obtained with great difficulty, was said to have been written by a distant descendant of the Xiangli family, and it had already opened her eyes.

Let alone the “Complete Book of Immortal Farming,” which contained the most comprehensive farming techniques in the world. Dan Sui couldn’t even imagine its vast content.

Her heart pounded as she asked in surprise:

“Does Your Majesty have the ‘Complete Book of Immortal Farming’?”

“No,” Liuyu casually started painting a picture, “That’s why I said ‘if.’ But if you’re willing to endure the hardship, there’s always a way to get it.”

Dan Sui, now hooked, felt no disappointment.

“What kind of hardship? I’m very good at enduring hardship. Really, tell me.”

The woman before her had a firm gaze, as if she was determined to follow whatever Liuyu said.

Liuyu rested her chin on her hand, smiling broadly.

“It’s not that bad. It’s just that Xiang Li Shen currently controls Longdui City and Taiping City. We can’t directly send people to attack. It’s a bit troublesome. If we can’t approach from the front, we’ll have to go around and attack from the inside out.”

Dan Sui didn’t quite understand how to attack from the inside out, but the calm demeanor of the girl before her somehow gave her a sense of confidence that whatever Liuyu set her mind to, it would be accomplished.

“Alright, I’ll listen to Your Majesty.”

Chao Yan, standing nearby, withdrew her gaze from the sparrow outside the window.

She vaguely remembered that this girl had been full of hostility before she stepped through the door.

She had just been momentarily distracted, so how did she suddenly end up agreeing to everything her mistress said?

“However, as a trade—”

Liuyu changed the topic.

“Can you tell me what Mo Lin was like at the hunting grounds?”

Dan Sui was taken aback.

The question stirred up many memories for her.

In fact, it was completely normal for her to develop a good impression of Mo Lin.

At the hunting grounds in Wuse City, Mo Lin had joined the latest, but his rise was the fastest.

The rules of the hunting grounds were that whoever fought the most spectacularly and defeated their opponent most brutally would get more food and medicine for wounds.

Although the city’s rules prohibited unnecessary killing of demons and ghosts, when demons and ghosts accidentally died in duels, it wasn’t against the rules. Therefore, many demons and ghosts, in such a harsh environment, had no choice but to strike at the weaker ones.

There was one time Dan Sui was scheduled to duel against Mo Lin. At that time, she had lost ten matches in a row and had severe injuries, barely hanging on by a thread.

Dan Sui thought it would be her last match.

But Mo Lin had given her a word before the match, revealing his own weakness.

Driven by a desperate desire to survive, Dan Sui didn’t hesitate and struck his vulnerable spot with all her might, ultimately winning the match and gaining enough food and medicine.

But what about Mo Lin?

He unexpectedly lost, causing many of the nobles who had bet on him to lose money.

The young nobles, angry about the loss, bribed the guards and beat him up privately.

Dan Sui, who had always been a hard-headed person who wouldn’t cry even when her legs were broken, cried for the first time upon hearing this news.

“…I owe my life to Lord Mo.”

Dan Sui withdrew her thoughts, exhaled, and pursed her lips.

“This favor, I’ll never forget in this lifetime. If Your Majesty is bothered by it, I can…”

She wanted to say that she could forgo the opportunity to learn the “Xian Nong Complete Book,” but the words were sharp as stones in her mouth, and she couldn’t bring herself to say them.

Just as she felt heavy-hearted, she heard a light chuckle from the opposite side.

“I didn’t mean that.”

The girl, leaning sideways, blinked her eyes.

“I’m just curious. As for whether you like Mo Lin or how much you like him, that’s your business, nothing to do with me.”

Dan Sui didn’t expect this answer at all.

“Huh?”

How could she confess in front of her?

Wait, but why did this confession involve her too?

Before Dan Sui could speak, she saw Liuyu stand up.

“In a few days, you’ll come with us to the Midnight Palace. As for the Xiangli family’s plan, I will inform you then.”

After finishing, Liuyu left the inner room.

Mo Lin, blocked by Liuyu’s presence outside, didn’t go in. Instead, he listened to Xuan Li’s report while waiting for Liuyu to finish.

When Liuyu finally emerged, Xuan Li’s report was just concluding. Mo Lin called out to Liuyu.

“Anything you want for lunch?”

Liuyu hadn’t eaten properly these days.

Since Chao Ming was currently in Yedu and due to the exhaustion from last night, Mo Lin thought he should ask in advance so the palace chefs could prepare it well.

But to his surprise, Liuyu only gave him a brief glance.

The young man, in a carefree posture, lazily swept his gaze, which was unlike his usual gloomy self, and his expression finally relaxed.

Because last night, Liuyu had complimented the mountain ghost copper coin earrings he wore, he hadn’t taken them off, and in the dark attire, the bright red color stood out, making his already delicate looks even more striking.

Liuyu narrowed her eyes.

“Hmph.”

Attracting bees and butterflies.

“I’ve brought six-board chess to play with the ghost ladies. I’ll eat with them. You can eat by yourself.”

Mo Lin froze for a moment, watching the girl in golden clothes and jade hairpins disappear from his view.

Is she angry?

Why?

… Did something go wrong last night?

As Mo Lin pondered, he saw Dan Sui walk out, so he looked up and asked:

“What did she say to you?”

Dan Sui scratched her head.

“Your Majesty said she likes you…”

Mo Lin’s brows twitched just slightly when Dan Sui immediately added:

“…And me.”

Xuan Li immediately noticed the furrowed brow of the master.

Those deep green eyes studied Dan Sui as if saying—Impossible.

Dan Sui could never be on his level.

When Liuyu visited the twelve ritual gods, she met several new additions who had joined after the reshuffling.

“The four new [Ghost Representatives] who joined this time were selected from the demons and ghosts of Deer Ming Mountain.”

After introducing them, the ghost lady sighed:

“True to the wild demons who have survived under the pursuit of noble families for so many years, they really have some skills—Oh!”

The ghost lady, who had been flicked on the forehead by Bai Ping Ting, rubbed her forehead, and Bai Ping Ting smiled.

“These are Your Majesty’s people. Don’t be disrespectful.”

Wild demons, does that sound good?

Liuyu smiled: “But none of them are as capable as our ghost ladies. After this reshuffling, you’re second now, truly impressive.”

The compliment made the ghost lady proud, while Lan Zhu, who had dropped from first to fourth, snorted but said nothing.

Liuyu observed the four new ghost representatives.

Now, the top four among the twelve ritual gods were the Mountain Demon, Ghost Lady, Bai Ping Ting, and Lan Zhu, while the lower four remained unchanged. The middle four were replaced by the demons and ghosts of Deer Ming Mountain, who followed Liuyu’s command through the Mountain Ghost Dragon Bell.

The loyalty is not the main concern for now; Liuyu needs to see their abilities first.

So, after thinking for a moment, Liuyu said:

“Now that we’re taking over Yushan, there are many demons and ghosts who are still not registered under the Nine Nether Household. This task will be left to the four of you.”

The four demons exchanged looks.

One of the younger demons, looking confused, spoke up:

“What’s ‘household registration’? I don’t know how to handle that.”

“I don’t know either!”

“How about you assign us some killing tasks? That’s what we’re good at.”

“Yeah, yeah!”

Liuyu: “…”

Such genuine country bumpkins.

If Chaoming were here, his eye-roll would probably reach the heavens.

“…If you don’t know, it’s fine. I’ll assign ten female servants to assist you. They will teach you, and you’ll need to focus and learn seriously.”

After a pause, Liuyu emphasized:

“If you do this job well, you’ll be rewarded with divine jade.”

Hearing the words “divine jade,” the four demons’ eyes immediately lit up.

Wow!

Isn’t this more profitable than robbing and pillaging?!

The four demons immediately nodded vigorously.

After passing down the orders, Liuyu and Mo Lin stayed at Yushan for two more days. When the mountain goblins had recovered and the demons’ placements were on track, they finally set off back to Ye Du.

Chaoming had been waiting outside the Ghost Path Academy in Ye Du.

In just a few days, when Liuyu got off the carriage and saw Chaoming, she felt a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity.

“…The matter with the Jade-faced Spider and the Endless Sea has been mostly settled. As you predicted, when I clarified the situation that day, many people had doubts. I brushed them off for the time being, then kept an eye on the ones causing the most trouble. After two days of investigation, I found a Demon-Slaying Sect hideout, informed the Sect Master, and, with the guards of the Extreme Night Palace, took down the hideout. Ye Du is much more peaceful now.”

Liuyu gave him a few glances and said:

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s just part of my duties, Miss, you overstate it.”

After a moment of silence, Chaoming smiled faintly and continued:

“A few days ago, a new grave for A Jiang was finished. I burned a few Jade-faced Spider legs for her, but I’m not sure if she received them.”

Liuyu chuckled lightly: “Aren’t you afraid A Jiang will think it’s bad luck?”

“How could it be bad luck? It’s clearly a good thing—by the way, who did your hair today? It’s a bit rough; it’s already coming undone.”

Chaoming’s gaze was fixed on Liuyu’s hair, but Liuyu’s attention had shifted to a demon in green standing behind him.

Their eyes met, and Mo Lin calmly shifted his gaze away.

He looked indifferent and distant, as though the person who had just kissed her in the carriage hadn’t been him.

“Where’s my third uncle?”

“Third Master is still inside taking a class. It should be finishing soon.”

Through the half-open window of the classroom, Yinshan Qi looked clearly exhausted, despite layers of makeup trying to cover it.

Forty lessons in seven days.

It would be surprising if he didn’t look worn out.

During the time Liuyu wasn’t in Ye Du, Yinshan Qi hadn’t known when she would return. Fearing he’d run out of money and starve in the Nine Netherworld, he stopped drinking and even gave up tea.

The demons at the Ghost Path Academy saw his plight and decided to invite him to dinner after class. Weak, Yinshan Qi waved them off:

“No, no, I’ve got another job to do.”

He had taken on Mo Lin’s task of raising the Gu Huo bird. Every night, he had to drive an ox cart to the Extreme Night Palace to teach people how to raise the bird.

…Was this really the life that the third son of the Yinshan family should be living?!

Every morning, Yinshan Qi cursed his little niece, but upon seeing Liuyu appear in the Ghost Path Academy, he was nearly moved to tears.

“Why are you only back now?! You left without even paying me for the work!”

This was the first time Liuyu had seen her third uncle in such a pitiful state, and she nearly laughed out loud.

After giving him some half-hearted comfort, Liuyu finally brought up the matter with the Xiangli family.

“The Xiangli family really doesn’t need to be kept.”

Once Yinshan Qi’s emotions calmed, he stroked his chin and said:

“The Endless Sea is too heartless.”

But his thinking was very practical.

“And the Nine Netherworld’s grass and fodder are ridiculously expensive. Third Uncle supports you. Get rid of that Xiangli Shen as soon as possible, bring down the price of the fodder. A bundle of fodder for ten spirit stalks—why doesn’t he just rob the place himself?”

Liuyu looked at her third uncle, wanting to say something but stopping herself.

She vaguely remembered that her third uncle used to be the kind of person who, when he saw someone playing with crickets on the roadside, would give them ten gold coins out of goodwill.

Who says it’s hard to go from luxury to frugality? It doesn’t seem too difficult to her.

Seeing Yinshan Qi like this, Liuyu finally felt at ease and handed him a small bag.

“I came to give you these divine jades. I spoke with Bai Pingting, who manages the Ghost Path Academy. Now, each city’s academy is starting to teach poetry, books, and etiquette, but many demons still don’t understand.”

“From now on, the Ghost Path Academy will have four tests each year, one for each season. The first prize for the written exam will be divine jades. Third uncle, please stop your greedy ways. If even one of these divine jades is lost, with your current standing, you might have to sell your head to the Jiufang family to pay for it.”

Yinshan Qi could only begrudgingly pull his gaze away from the divine jades.

He could see them, but couldn’t be greedy.

Wasn’t this like asking a rat to guard the grain store?!

After finishing these instructions, Liuyu was about to leave when she noticed Mo Lin standing with Dan Sui not far away.

It felt like a moment from her past life.

The demon in green was patiently and intently listening to Dan Sui, both standing under a locust tree in the courtyard. They were dressed in worn-out Nine Netherworld robes, looking harmonious and well-matched.

But this time, Liuyu didn’t turn and walk away immediately.

Mo Lin’s long eyelashes fluttered as he looked up at the approaching girl.

For some reason, though her smile remained the same, her eyes weren’t smiling.