After chatting for a while, they dispersed.
Returning to their rooms, the three of them began to discuss the matter at hand.
Fan Zehao's expression was grim. "Selling it to ordinary people drives up the price, but if he sells it to soldiers, he might even give it at cost. I don't believe there's no trickery involved."
Zhao Jiaqi and the special envoy nodded. They didn't believe the village chief either, but so far, they had no concrete evidence to prove his ulterior motives.
She said worriedly, "Husband, from what he said, it seems like a portion of this Divine Immortal Paste has entered the military camp. I just don't know which camp, and how many people have come into contact with it so far."
If the soldiers had indeed consumed it, how long had they been doing so?
These questions remained unanswered. What if... what if they were already addicted and had no heart to defend the border? That would be a disaster.
"I'll write a letter to Huangfu Xi, tell him about the situation, and ask him to investigate. He should also prepare for troop redeployments so that they won't be caught off guard if something happens."
Zhao Jiaqi and the special envoy said nothing, watching him write the letter.
At that time, she felt relatively relaxed. At least the inner city had not yet been tainted by this substance. Otherwise, they would have gone mad.
But this also served as a wake-up call: they needed to remain vigilant at all times.
The letters written to Huangfu Xi and Wang Zhen were handed to the special envoy, and he instructed them, "Send these letters by special courier."
"Send the letter to Huangfu Xi by courier, and use carrier pigeons for Wang Zhen. That way, even if they intercept the pigeons, they'll only see an invitation to Wang Zhen, and our secret plotting won't be exposed."
Zhao Jiaqi finished speaking, and Fan Zehao fully supported her. "That's good. With a mix of truth and falsehood, they won't be able to discern the real from the fake."
While they were discussing, Wang Hui told Wang Yuanzhi everything she had seen and heard in town.
"Father, I noticed that Young Master Fan doesn't seem to be afraid of his wife at all. Instead, he dotes on her. When they met, they were very... gentle."
"Father, do you think we've been deceived by them?"
Wang Yuanzhi sneered. "Whether Young Master Fan is a live-in son-in-law or not is irrelevant. As long as it brings us profit, nothing else matters."
Wang Hui pondered for a moment. "But if we are going to do business with them, we should be careful. Daughter is afraid that if we are deceived, it will be tragic."
More importantly, if her father did business with them, how would she do business with her elder sister? This would undoubtedly block her path to wealth.
As the parents, each with their own thoughts, were in the midst of a lively conversation, someone arrived, stating that the town's concubine was about to give birth.
Upon hearing this, Wang Yuanzhi immediately rushed out, a smile on his face, thinking that he would finally have an heir today.
Wang Hui watched her father's legs move as fast as if he were not in his forties. Seeing this, she felt even more desolate. He was so eager even before knowing the gender. If it were a boy, what would happen to her?
No, she had to start planning her next move. She absolutely could not become a discarded piece, ending up like her mother.
With that thought, she followed her father to town. She wanted to see what this lowly woman would give birth to.
If it were a boy, she would find a way to strangle it. If it were a girl, she would not leave it be either. Or, while the girl was still young, she would actively stay at home and take a live-in husband.
However, this step depended on her father's approval.
The parents went out one after the other. Although Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao were curious, they didn't ask further. That evening, they were to finalize the menu, and the father and daughter did not return.
Zhao Jiaqi looked at the table and then at the door of the front hall, glancing around. They still hadn't returned.
"Wang Fang, where are your master and young lady? When will they be back? The dishes for the banquet are waiting for the village chief to decide."
Wang Fang had no idea where his young lady had gone. However, his master had instructed him before leaving: "Young Master and Madam, please decide the menu. The town's concubine is giving birth, and the master is there to attend to her. He probably won't be back for a while."
Zhao Jiaqi heard this and thought it was good news. "Then congratulations to your village chief in advance. His dream has come true."
Fan Zehao raised an eyebrow. At his age, his body was still quite good. However, the idea of favoring sons over daughters was truly unacceptable.
"Second Younger Brother, bring us the menu and introduce some of the dishes."
Bai Lu, holding the menu, introduced the dishes one by one as per custom, until her throat was dry. Seeing this, Zhao Jiaqi shook the teapot, only to find it empty.
"Wang Fang, take my guard and go fetch us some hot water. My throat is very dry from talking."
Wang Fang saw that their conversation was proper and orderly, and there was nothing amiss. He picked up the teapot and went out.
Taking this opportunity, Zhao Jiaqi whispered to Bai Lu, "My husband's surname is Fan. He is a live-in son-in-law. We are currently investigating a very serious matter, and it is not advisable to reveal our identities."
Bai Lu nodded to the couple. "I've already guessed. I'll be staying here for a while. If Master and Madam need anything, just ask me."
Now they had another helper, and Zhao Jiaqi was very pleased.
With a brief conversation, they finalized the menu. However, they would only be able to delve into certain matters when the other three arrived and they shared a meal together.
By the time Wang Fang and the special envoy returned, they had finished what they needed to say. They symbolically repeated the menu, and Bai Lu left after drinking a cup of tea.
That night, as they were about to go to sleep, they heard someone knocking at the door, accompanied by Wang Hui's voice.
"Elder Sister, are you asleep? I need to see you about something. It's quite urgent."
Fan Zehao frowned. It was late at night, and there was still something? If it was so urgent, why hadn't she come earlier?
With a sense of dissatisfaction, he got out of bed behind his wife, put on his clothes, and sat in the side hall, drinking some water.
Meanwhile, Zhao Jiaqi went to open the door for her. She saw Wang Hui arrive, panting and sweating, looking genuinely anxious.
Zhao Jiaqi was slightly surprised. "What's wrong?"
As she spoke, she pulled Wang Hui into the hall. However, Wang Hui turned around, closed the door, and bolted it.
Seeing her actions, the couple was utterly bewildered.
Zhao Jiaqi: "What's wrong? Is someone outside trying to catch you?"
Logically, that shouldn't be the case. This village was not easily accessible to ordinary people. Anyone who entered had to have the village chief's permission.
If they entered rashly, they might be beaten by the hidden guards.
Therefore, Zhao Jiaqi quickly ruled out this possibility.