Chapter 256: Chapter 258: The Ninth Prince Climbing the Wall

Inside the Drunken Immortal Inn, Ouyang Chenchen’s face was one of horror as she watched Feng Bailing carrying Feng Xiaoli with Hei Dian, who was saddled with a large bundle. The sight was somewhat eye-watering.

“Is this matter just settled then? Nalan Yan’er is too malicious; she just can’t stand to see you and your husband in love.”

“I’m not going back to the Princess’ Mansion for now; I’m afraid Luochen might storm Prince Shun’s Mansion.”

Feng Bailing also felt an emptiness in her heart.

“I’m not taking Dugu Wu’s side, but you did wrong in this matter. Even though you had no choice, that was still his mother’s portrait.”

“I wanted to find a chance to tell him, but Dugu Wu dislikes people mentioning his mother.”

“The more he cares, the less you can bring it up. I thought someone like Dugu Wu, who’s cold as ice, wouldn’t have much sentiment. Now it seems, quite the opposite. The more he shows dislike for his mother, in fact, the more he cares. By that reasoning, does he like you, so that’s why he’s been so harsh to you?”

Ouyang Chenchen muttered.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Did I seek you out to talk about Dugu Wu? How did it go with the matters I asked you to inquire about?”

Feng Bailing coughed lightly and tried to change the subject.

These past few days, Feng Bailing had been pondering how to preserve and seal the oil for sale outside.

Only then would she have a chance to gather the remaining hundred thousand taels.

She had tried using wax to seal the oil, and the results were not bad; the shelf life of the oil could be significantly extended.

But in doing so, a large amount of wax would be needed. Feng Bailing had also investigated the market, and wax was not cheap in the current times of Great Chu, such as candles which were not something ordinary families could afford.

Only in the palace or the homes of high-ranking officials and nobility could candles be used.

In this era, there was no industrial wax production, so the sources of wax were very limited.

“My teacher said that near the southern border of Great Chu, there is a barbarian town called Ka City, where many novel items from all over the world can be found, and local candles are very cheap. Maybe we can go take a look there.”

Ouyang Chenchen suggested.

Feng Bailing immediately agreed, having had a big argument with Dugu Wu; she was in a bad mood and just needed to get out and clear her head.

After settling Xiao Li with Chun Liu, Ouyang Chenchen and Feng Bailing disguised themselves and changed into two sets of men’s clothing.

Both their hairstyles and facial features were altered, and even their skin tones darkened by several shades; at a glance, their original appearances were completely unrecognizable.

Ouyang Chenchen looked like a young master while Feng Bailing resembled an accountant, and they rode their horses out of the city.

Upon leaving the city, she felt a familiar presence. Feng Wan?

Clearly, Feng Wan had received orders from Dugu Wu and was following them at a distance. Ouyang Chenchen and Feng Bailing spurred their horses on towards Ka City.

“On the first day, the Princess Consort and Miss Ouyang traveled for eight hours and stayed outdoors.”

“On the second day, the Princess Consort and Miss Ouyang traveled for nine hours and stayed at a homestay.”

“On the third day, the Princess Consort and Miss Ouyang encountered a merchant caravan and went to Ka City together.”

After arguing with Feng Bailing, both Feng Bailing and Feng Xiaoli left.

The entire Wu Courtyard seemed empty.

Dugu Wu thought he would feel somewhat happy, but found his mood was very bad.

With no heart for work, his temper was even worse, immersing not only the Wu Courtyard but also the entire Ministry of Revenue in a terrible low-pressure.

Until he received a message from Feng Wan.

“Who sent Feng Wan?”

Dugu Wu was in a bad mood after seeing the message about Feng Bailing.

“It was to ensure the Princess Consort didn’t run off; no one would then be able to treat your lordship’s leg.”

Feng Zao said earnestly.

Ever since the Princess Consort had come, she had often performed acupuncture for the Prince, and his leg had become much more flexible than before.

“Meddlesome.”

Dugu Wu glanced at the letter sent back by Feng Wan and coughed lightly.

“Xiao Li… where is she?”

The sound of Feng Xiaoli crying that day seemed to ring in his ears.

Learning that Feng Xiaoli was in the Princess’ Mansion, Dugu Wu, unusually, did not lose his temper for the entire day.

That evening, Feng Zao suspiciously noticed the lord sneaking out, heading in the direction of the Princess’ Mansion.

Hmm, he must be going to sneak a glance at his daughter.

Looking around the silent Wu Courtyard, even Feng Zao began to miss the days when the Princess Consort and Xiao Li were there.

Back then, the Wu Courtyard was full of life.

The young master was always smiling.

The lord… well, he seemed human.

After nearly four days of traveling, Feng Bailing and Ouyang Chenchen, accompanying the merchant caravan, arrived at the ancient border city of Ka City.

“We came to Ka City to unwind? Isn’t that a bit too far?”

After days of continuous travel through the wilderness, upon seeing the city gates ahead, Ouyang Chenchen let out a deep breath.

“Chatting with the caravan leader along the way, I learned that Ka City has a border market that merchants from various countries love. Here, as long as you have money, you can buy almost everything, from the living to the dead, from people to animals to plants. As long as the price is high enough, everything is available.

“The Princess Consort has arrived in Ka City and has checked into the De Yue Inn.”

Dugu Wu unfolded the letter and glanced through it.

According to Feng Wan’s report, upon arriving in Ka City, Feng Bailing, disguised as a man, along with Ouyang Chenchen, rested for a whole day. On the second day of their arrival in Ka City, she and Ouyang Chenchen went to the market.

After arriving at the market, they only asked for one thing.

“Candles?”

Dugu Wu frowned.

Feng Bailing traveled a great distance to Ka City just to find candles?

What was this woman up to?

Not only Dugu Wu but even Ouyang Chenchen was full of confusion.

She and Feng Bailing had walked through half the market, and all Feng Bailing did was look around and occasionally mention candles.

Candles, something that also existed in Great Chu.

The candles in Great Chu were made of beeswax, so they were very expensive; ordinary families could only afford oil lamps.

In Ka City, of course, there were also candles, and the prices were even more reasonable.

“There’s a teahouse ahead; let’s have some tea, and I’ll tell you more.”

Feng Bailing pulled Ouyang Chenchen towards the teahouse.