The eight of them managed to polish off the three massive platters of food, the pot of rice, and every single bun and steamed roll.
“So full… the Madam’s cooking is truly heavenly,” Long Shiyi sighed.
The moment he finished speaking, Qing Mei chimed in, “Since you’ve eaten your fill and are feeling stuffed, you can be responsible for washing the dishes. Consider it a way to help your digestion.”
Long Shiyi didn’t argue, he replied instantly, “Gladly!”
He thought to himself, If I could eat delicious food every day, I wouldn’t mind washing the dishes, I’d wash the entire kitchen daily!
It was the peak of summer, but because they were by the river at the foot of a mountain, it wasn’t sultry at all. A gentle breeze blew through, making the evening exceptionally comfortable.
Qiao Zilin caught a whiff of her own sweat mixed with the lingering smell of cooking oil. If she didn’t bathe, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep. But in the middle of this wilderness, where was she supposed to go?
Just then, Long Zhenting, who had been lingering nearby, spoke up. “Wife, would you like to go down to the river to play in the water for a bit?”
He had caught her subtle movements and guessed her discomfort. Qiao Zilin’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Absolutely!”
Fifteen minutes later, Qiao Zilin emerged from the water smelling fresh and clean.
“Husband, let’s go back and sleep,” she said casually.
That simple sentence sent a shock through Long Zhenting. “Wife… we haven’t even performed the wedding ceremony yet. Are you in such a hurry to enter the bridal chamber with your husband?”
“Cough, cough!”
Qiao Zilin was speechless. If she didn’t go back to sleep after a bath, was she supposed to sit by the river and count stars all night? She ignored his teasing, she was exhausted and ready to meet the Duke of Zhou in her dreams.
Before lying down, however, she pulled out a specialized powder she had prepared to ward off snakes and insects and sprinkled a protective circle around the tent. With that done, they could finally sleep in peace.
…
“Master, wake up! I smell gold!”
Qiao Zilin was sleeping soundly when she was tickled awake by Xiao Bai’s tail. She opened her eyes to the dim light of dawn, the sun wasn’t even up yet. Xiao Bai was truly ruining a perfectly good dream. She grabbed its tail firmly. “Stop that. If you tickle me one more time, I’m kicking you out.”
“Master, get up! There’s a cave over there filled with gold and silver treasures. You aren’t going to let free things just sit there, are you?” Xiao Bai persisted.
Qiao Zilin rolled over and buried her head in her blanket. “Ugh… a person of character doesn’t accept handouts. Didn’t your mother teach you not to touch other people’s things?”
“Master, these are probably the ill-gotten gains of some corrupt officials! If you don’t take them, you’re just letting him continue his villainy! Please, get up!”
Xiao Bai was pacing like an ant on a hot pan. What her master didn’t realize was that the space needed to “consume” gold. The more it absorbed, the more spiritual energy it generated. Without that energy, how was the rabbit supposed to achieve its true form? Her master was a bit of a blockhead.
Just as it was about to explain this, Qiao Zilin practically levitated off the bed. The moment she heard “corrupt official,” her interest was piqued. If it was stolen wealth, it would be a sin not to take it. She dressed quickly and looked at the rabbit. “Lead the way.”
One human and one rabbit headed toward the cave Xiao Bai had sensed.
“Master, where is Madam going?” Long Shiyi and the other four men asked, looking at Long Zhenting.
Long Zhenting didn’t know either, his wife was proving to be quite mysterious. “Stay here and guard the camp. I’ll go check on her.” With a flash, he vanished into the trees.
“Master, we’re here! This is the place!” Xiao Bai stopped in front of a smooth rock face.
Qiao Zilin looked at the stone mountain. There was no cave in sight. Did Xiao Bai expect her to walk through walls? The rabbit seemed to read her mind. “Master, there’s a mechanism. Look around.”
Qiao Zilin began feeling around the stone, pressing and prodding. Just as she was about to give up, she felt a slight protrusion. She pressed it with her thumb, and the smooth stone slab slid open.
This scene was witnessed by the pursuing Long Zhenting, though Qiao Zilin had no idea she was being followed. He rushed forward and grabbed her arm. “Wife! A sealed cave like this is dangerous. What are you going to do there?”
Qiao Zilin jumped, startled by his sudden appearance. “Hus… Husband? You followed me?”
Long Zhenting didn’t deny it. “I’m sorry, Wife. I was just worried about you. But really, what are you looking for in here? We should at least light a torch first, it’s safer.”
Qiao Zilin couldn’t exactly tell him she was there to loot a secret treasure hoard. “I know, Husband. I… I just need to use the restroom. Wait for me outside!”
She grabbed a torch and dashed into the cave before he could protest. After navigating a tunnel about ten meters long, she gasped at the sight before her.
“Xiao Bai, bite me. Tell me I’m not dreaming.”
The interior was bright as day, illuminated by night-luminescent pearls embedded in the walls. On the floor stood twenty-five wooden crates, neatly arranged. Qiao Zilin walked toward them cautiously when suddenly, a volley of sharp arrows whistled through the air toward her.
In that split second, a pair of strong arms swept her aside.
“Wife, are you hurt?”
Qiao Zilin wiggled out of his embrace. “I’m fine, I’m fine! Why did you come in?”
“I was worried you’d encounter danger,” Long Zhenting said, his voice thick with concern.
Given the situation, Qiao Zilin didn’t argue. She wasn’t about to let the treasure go just because he showed up. “Alright, Husband. Go check what’s inside those crates.”
Long Zhenting walked over and used his dagger to pry open one of the lids. The wood groaned and gave way, revealing a dazzling shimmer.
“Gold?”
As the lids were pried open one by one, Qiao Zilin was stunned. Gold, silver, jade, fine porcelain, and exquisite jewelry. Without a word, she swept her hand across the room, and the treasures vanished instantly.
Long Zhenting stood frozen. What kind of magical artifact did his wife possess to be this powerful?
Qiao Zilin finished her sweep and turned to him. “Husband, let’s get out of here first. We’ll talk outside.”
Fifteen minutes later, they stepped out of the cave. Qiao Zilin pressed the mechanism, and the stone door slid shut, leaving no trace behind. She looked at the strangely calm Long Zhenting and asked, “Husband… do you think I’m some kind of demon?”
Long Zhenting laughed softly. “Wife, have you been reading too many folk tales? What demon? Where would there be a demon this beautiful and talented? A fairy, more likely.”
Pfft…
Qiao Zilin decided that since he had seen it, she might as well be honest. He might even be able to help her cover her tracks in the future. Besides, there should be no secrets between husband and wife. She explained the situation to him, omitting the part about being a soul from the modern world, as she figured that might be a bit too much for an ancient mind to grasp.
She even called Xiao Bai over. Long Zhenting was truly fascinated, it was his first time seeing a talking rabbit. Truly, the world was full of wonders. He was even more shocked to learn about her mysterious space, a treasure that many would kill for.
He realized he had to protect her even more fiercely now. This power couldn’t be used carelessly. “Wife, promise me you won’t tell anyone else about this space, and never use it in front of others. Understood?”
Qiao Zilin patted his shoulder. “Husband, I’m not a fool. I know this has to stay a secret. Now, let’s get back and make some breakfast so we can hit the road!”