Chapter 132: Implementing the Trap Plan for the “Ghost Thief”

When the words “plague” were mentioned, the officials of the court were alarmed.

“I heard that the rain in Jiangnan hasn’t stopped, and with the plague appearing at this time, it might spread.”

“Indeed, with the rain continuing, the local government will find it difficult to manage and isolate the infected.”

“Luckily, the Emperor had foresight and, when sending food and silver, also sent medicinal herbs.”

“Didn’t Ye Chutang have an effective method for preventing and treating the plague? We must hurry and send it to Jiangnan!”

The Emperor listened to the officials’ discussions, his gaze coldly landing on Qi Yanzhou.

“Prince Chen, you are well-informed. I haven’t even received any news yet, yet you already know.”

Qi Yanzhou met the Emperor’s displeased gaze and explained, “Your Majesty, I knew about the flood in Jiangnan and sent a letter to a friend. Just before attending the court, I received a reply and learned of the plague.”

With that, he took out a prepared note.

“Your Majesty, the plague is a serious matter. I’m worried it might spread, causing more suffering for the people. That’s why I had to bring it up.”

To the Emperor, this was a reprimand, suggesting that he suspected his loyal ministers but did not prioritize the safety of the common people.

Suppressing his displeasure, the Emperor instructed the Minister of War, “Send a message with the fastest courier to Jiangnan, along with the prescription for the plague. Also, send a notice to those delivering disaster relief silver to buy medicine for preventing and treating the plague along the way and deliver it urgently to Jiangnan. Notify the various provinces and cities to enforce martial law.”

The Emperor then turned to the Commander of the Imperial Guards.

“From now on, be extra cautious of outsiders entering and leaving the capital. If any symptoms similar to the plague are detected, lock them up in a place first and then send for a doctor to examine them.”

Although the disaster victims from Jiangnan would not reach the capital so quickly, it was better to take precautions early.

Once the Emperor had arranged everything, he concluded the morning court session.

Just as Qi Yanzhou stepped out of the Golden Hall, he was stopped by the inner court eunuch, Shuangxi.

“Prince, the Emperor summons you.”

Qi Yanzhou guessed that the Emperor wanted to discuss the plan to capture the “Ghost Thief.”

Arriving at the Hall of Governance, sure enough, the Emperor said, “Prince Chen, the trap plan was delayed due to your injury, but it’s time to implement it now, isn’t it?”

“You must have heard about the theft at Minister Kong’s house. The ‘Ghost Thief’s’ abilities are beyond human control. Does His Majesty still want to capture him?”

The Emperor, of course, knew that capturing the “Ghost Thief” was difficult, but he was unwilling to give up without trying.

“Prince Chen, go and make the arrangements.”

If the national seal were stolen and not recovered, it would surely lead to big trouble in the future!

“As you command.”

An hour later.

The news of the tribute from the Southern Border reaching the capital spread throughout the city.

Nine boxes of excellent tribute were brought into the imperial palace.

The tribute was real, and so were the gifts.

It was sent by the local lord of the Southern Border to express gratitude for the Emperor’s efforts after the region was reclaimed.

The tribute had arrived in the capital a few days ago, but due to the delayed plan to capture the “Ghost Thief,” the presentation was postponed.

After releasing the “bait,” Qi Yanzhou also made remarks questioning the “Ghost Thief.”

“I heard these tributes are treasures rarely seen, but I wonder if the ‘Ghost Thief’ will dare to steal them?”

As such remarks spread throughout the imperial city, Qi Yanzhou entered the palace to report.

“Your Majesty, according to the ‘Ghost Thief’s’ behavior, if he’s interested in the tributes, he will definitely come to the palace to steal them.”

Hearing this, the Emperor instructed the Chief of the Imperial Guards to lead a group to check the traps.

The opportunity was once, and it had to be executed perfectly!

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At this moment, Ye Chutang had just finished hunting and was comparing her achievements with Song Jingning and the others at the Meishan villa.

Song Jingning and Ye Chutang were well-matched.

Neither of them hunted small animals like rabbits, but both had hunted deer, wild boar, and bears.

Among them, three deer were still alive.

The others were stunned.

Especially Su Nian, who hadn’t caught anything and had gotten herself wounded in the process.

The two rabbits she brought back were given to her by Su Yu.

“Miss Ye is amazing, she even hunted a bear.”

This was a ferocious beast, and if Su Nian had encountered it, she would have only been able to run.

Ye Chutang smiled and said, “I grew up in the countryside, so I have a slight advantage when it comes to hunting.”

She then tossed a small white porcelain jar to Su Nian.

“This medicine is very effective for treating external injuries. Miss Su can give it a try.”

Su Nian instinctively caught the jar and felt a bit ashamed of her previous hostility.

“Thank you, Miss Ye.”

Su Yu looked enviously at the bear he had never eaten before and asked Ye Chutang.

“Miss Ye, this big black bear would be inconvenient to bring back to the city. Are you selling the bear meat and paws?”

“I’m not selling it.”

Su Yu’s face fell for a moment, but it brightened up as Ye Chutang continued.

“You can eat some, or I can give it away. I only want two bear paws and ten pounds of meat.”

Song Jingning hadn’t expected Ye Chutang to be so generous to those she had just met.

“Miss Ye, bears are rare and difficult to hunt. We can just have a taste.”

Su Yu and the others nodded in agreement. “Yes, yes, we’re just happy to enjoy the meal.”

Ye Chutang didn’t insist, “Alright, you can decide.”

After that, she asked, “With such hot weather, the dead animals can’t be kept for long. Shall we head back to the capital after lunch?”

Song Jingning glanced at the blazing sun and shook his head.

“It’s too hot. Let’s wait until dusk.”

Su Yu immediately added, “Miss Ye, don’t worry. The villa has an ice room where they can store the game. If you need, they can also help process it.”

Hearing this, Ye Chutang felt reassured.

She didn’t want to rush to the imperial city under the hot sun; it would be too exhausting.

The group discussed what game to have for lunch, then handed the remaining game to the villa.

Some were stored in the ice room, while others were processed by the villa.

Of course, whether it was cooking, storing, or processing, there would be a cost.

Ye Chutang had hunted two deer and a bear, all of which were still alive.

She kept one injured deer to take back to the capital as a gift for Qi Yanzhou, as a way of reporting to Ye Jingchuan.

The other deer had a stomach wound and wouldn’t last long. She had the villa staff process it and gave half to those who hadn’t hunted deer, keeping half for herself.

The bear meat was to be eaten at lunch, so it was also processed.

She also took a bear paw to braise.

The villa’s chef prepared the meal while the group rested and chatted in the dining room.

With the hot weather, not many people had come to Meishan for hunting, so the dining room was empty.

Half an hour later, the meal was ready.

Tang Xiu suggested, “Before the feast, how about a few drinks?”

Su Yu agreed. “Once we’re full, we can rest, and then we’ll have more energy for the journey.”

He then recommended to Ye Chutang.

“Miss Ye, the villa’s homemade wine is excellent. It’s smooth and doesn’t get you drunk. You should give it a try.”

Su Nian, who had tasted it before, nodded repeatedly.

“It’s really delicious. The fragrance of the herbs and the wine complement each other without making you dizzy.”

Ye Chutang wasn’t fond of getting drunk, but she could drink.

“Then I’ll try it.”

The wild game at the Meishan villa was good, and with the homemade wine, it was a perfect match.

Everyone ate happily and even played a drinking game during the meal.

For the first time, Song Jingning directly felt Ye Chutang’s talent and admired her greatly.

“May I ask, Miss Ye, who was your teacher?”

He had grown up at the Huating Academy, surrounded by countless tutors, and only then could he have such a talent.

But according to what he knew, Ye Chutang had grown up in the countryside, and Ye Jingchuan had never hired a tutor for her.

Ye Chutang casually replied, “I was just lucky and happened to have the right opportunity.”

Seeing that she didn’t want to elaborate, Song Jingning wisely didn’t ask further. This meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Afterward, Song Jingning asked for a few rooms and let everyone rest.

While paying at the counter, a group of people arrived at the villa.

They recognized Song Jingning’s group and greeted them warmly.

Ye Chutang wasn’t familiar with them and was feeling a bit sleepy, so she suggested returning to her room to rest first.

Su Nian and Tang Zhirong followed her upstairs.

Just as Ye Chutang was about to close the door, she overheard someone talking about the plague in Jiangnan and the tribute from the Southern Border.

Qi Yanzhou had previously mentioned the plan to capture the “Ghost Thief