Chapter 292: Like to Die

Chapter 292

As members of the Qilin Army, they clearly had more important things to do, yet they were assigned to protect such a powerless young lady.

Huai Ying and Huai Ling were increasingly unhappy about this.

Huai Bi glared at them, hinting that they should not speak and must not question the Crown Prince's arrangements.

The two looked at each other for a long time before they had no choice but to swallow their anger and follow Gu Ying to the streets.

Gu Ying had not eaten breakfast. After leaving the manor, she deliberately walked all the way to the main street. Having been confined to Ning Fu for so long, she did not know what the outside world looked like and wanted to investigate.

After leaving Qingjiang Manor, they passed Huaiyang Avenue and reached Sakura Street. All along the way, the houses were dilapidated. Only a few food stalls were still open, but they were not selling anything. Instead, kind-hearted people were making hot porridge and steamed buns for beggars and commoners who had no rice left to eat.

The common people wailed. Many of the sick and weak were still lying at home instead of being moved to the quarantine camps.

Huai Bi said, “There is not enough room in the quarantine camps now. Many mild cases can only stay at home and wait for us to distribute medicine to them.”

“This boss, Boss Zhang, used to run a rice shop. Now he has donated all the rice at home to people who have nothing to eat.”

“The woman standing next to Boss Zhang is his wife, Qin. She is also a kind woman. Not only does she provide buns and porridge to everyone, she also offers rooms in her inn for people to stay in. But they have also contracted the plague, just that their symptoms are still mild for now. When the disease worsens, they will have to be moved to the quarantine camps.”

“My lady, it’s best if you keep your distance from these people. Once infected, there is no cure yet.”

Gu Ying listened quietly to Huai Bi’s words.

Against her ears were the sighs and desperate conversations of the commoners.

“Oh, I wonder when this plague will end. The old man living next to me, Old Man Lin, died in the middle of the night before last... When he died, there was not a single uninfected part on his body. I didn’t even dare look. Later the authorities sent people to take his corpse away to be cremated.”

“Has the Crown Prince and Young Master Ye come up with a cure?”

“After taking this medicine these past few days, I do feel much more comfortable physically, but the illness still hasn’t gone away. Alas, yesterday I still felt itchy and sore all over. I was wondering if I should just go to the quarantine camp myself and let Zhuge Doctor take a look, but I'm afraid that would add to the Crown Prince’s troubles. I heard the Crown Prince has also nearly caught the plague.”

“Ah? Is that true? That won’t do! If the Crown Prince contracts the plague too, then we really have no hope left!”

“This plague has killed too many people... Heaven must protect the Crown Prince.”

One woman started crying as she said, "My little daughter... she was only five years old..."

Huai Bi was taken aback. Had the young mistress lost her mind? What was she here to do at the government building? To beg Prince Shu?

What use would begging that useless prince be?

"My lady, I think—"

Gu Ying's face sank as she commanded strongly, "Huai Bi, kill anyone who dares block my way!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she took the lead and walked into the building.

Seeing her arrogant behavior, the guards immediately rushed at her with their swords, trying to subdue her.

Huai Bi had no choice. She could not just stand by and do nothing. So she worked with Huai Ying and Huai Ling to easily dispose of these insignificant subordinates in just a few moves to protect Gu Ying.

The injured guards fell to the ground crying. Gu Ying brushed the dust off her sleeves expressionlessly and headed for the courtyard where Prince Shu was.

Hearing the commotion at the courtyard gate, Li Yang lazily walked out, impeccably dressed.

Seeing Gu Ying striding towards him, the corners of his mouth curved up slightly. "So it's you who has gone through all this trouble to see me. Gu Second Young Lady, there is no need to make such a big fuss. If you wish to see me, just send someone in to let me know. I would have welcomed you properly."

Gu Ying smiled, but there was no smile in her eyes. "Your Highness is too kind, but I do not have the leisure to observe such etiquette."

Li Yang's expression did not change as he meaningfully said, "Then what important business does Second Young Lady Gu have with me?"

Gu Ying bent her lips slowly. "Naturally, it is a very important matter."

Hearing this, Li Yang's face still wore a smile. In his opinion, a beauty like Gu Ying was indeed worth a man's affection.

Zhao Changdu had been staying with the commoners day and night. He probably wouldn’t live much longer. As a sheltered madam who had never seen such a terrible plague, and with the Crown Prince seemingly unreliable now, facing such a serious epidemic, this clueless young lady could only choose to turn to him when she was desperate.

Thinking of this, his heart swelled with more arrogance and pride.

He did want Gu Ying, but still looked down on her in his heart. After all, she was not a chaste woman. He would just play with her. As for love, he did not feel that way at all.

"Since Second Young Lady has important matters to discuss, please come inside." Li Yang's mind was already filled with imaginary scenes of Gu Ying lying beneath him. Feeling somewhat restless, he said, "I will have my servants prepare fine wine and dishes right away."

It would be even better to add a pot of premium blended incense. That should leave Gu Ying intoxicated with passion.