Time Travel: Brothel Maid

Chapter 162 Exploitation of Labor

The residence of Yangzhou prefect Wu Zinian was originally shrouded in a heavy haze, but now it has gradually dissipated, replaced by a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

The Eighth Prince and his entourage no longer had to rush around every day, and now had some free time. Under Wu Zinian's careful arrangements, the guards also had a good rest in the past two days.

Since the villagers stopped drinking the river water yesterday and drank the medicine prepared by the old doctor, some villagers infected with the plague have obviously felt that their condition has improved today. However, to determine whether there is real improvement, it will take some time to observe.

Xiao Guoer was in a particularly good mood the whole day. The source of the plague had been found, and the villagers no longer had to sit and wait for death. When she went to visit Yuan Yuan, she no longer had the regrets and sadness of the past.

There was only one thing that slightly affected her mood, that was Jingchen was extremely busy today, and she hadn't seen him for most of the day. He just asked Shun'er to leave her a message, saying that he would be back before dinner.

She thought that the Eighth Prince must have arranged something for Jingchen again. What a scoundrel!

The matter was resolved, and she felt relieved. She had originally thought that she could go out with Jingchen to experience the customs and practices of Huaiyang City. Unfortunately, Jingchen was too busy to leave, so she had to go out alone.

Just as I was about to go out, I saw Shen Jing around the corner.

Now when she greeted Shen Jing, he no longer looked down on her, but his tone was still very cold.

Xiao Guoer's eyes passed from the hem of his clothes, and she thought to herself: Maybe this person is not enthusiastic towards anyone. But when she thought about it, it made sense. After all, he was a man with great martial arts skills. He should maintain a cold attitude. If he looked gentle to everyone he met, it would be a bit weird.

Xiao Guoer strolled along the street and found a clothing store and walked in.

After buying the clothes, she went shopping with great interest. However, the streets of Huaiyang City did not have many novel and interesting things, and were far from being as lively and prosperous as those in the capital.

She bought some snacks and went to the teahouse to listen to people's discussions for a while, but found it boring and decided to go home.

It would be better to sleep comfortably in the house. There is no point in her going shopping alone when Jingchen is not around.

But if she knew what was going to happen next, she would rather hang out outside all day.

-

The Eighth Prince Zhao Yunrong sat calmly and leisurely on the armchair, tapping the armrest lightly with his left index finger and holding a book in his right hand, but his thoughts were not on the book.

The cause of the plague can be basically determined: the corpses of the bats contaminated the spring water, causing the villagers to be infected with the plague.

However, in order to ensure that everything was foolproof, he did not immediately submit a memorial to report the situation to the emperor.

Let's wait for two more days. If the villagers' condition has improved significantly in two days, he will report again.

What he needs to do now is to wait. In other words, if nothing unexpected happens, he will no longer have anything important to do in Huaiyang City. Soon, he will be able to leave here and return to Shangjing City.

He had not expected that this trip to Huaiyang would be so smooth. He thought he would have to spend quite a while here.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yunrong couldn't help but raise his eyes from the book in his hand and look at someone who was grinding ink with gritted teeth at the table ten steps away, as if he had a deep hatred for the ink block.

To be fair, this person should be credited with the primary credit for identifying the cause of the plague so quickly.

Smart, loyal and righteous, a rare talent, but it's a pity...

Xiao Guoer was competing with his subordinate Hui Mo, when suddenly, he felt a vague inquiring gaze falling on his face.

She looked up, but saw that the Eighth Prince, who was worse than the capitalists, was reading a book intently with his head down, and he was not looking at her again.

Is she hallucinating?

Xiao Guoer took advantage of his inattention and glared at him angrily.

The thing is, when she saw Shen Jing still wearing the clothes with the torn corners, she wanted to buy him a new set. After all, it was torn when she was helping Tang Jingchen delay the onset of snake venom.

As soon as she entered the yard and handed the newly bought clothes to Shen Jing, she was called into the house by the Eighth Prince and ordered to grind ink for him!

Is she his servant? Is she required to do such a small thing?

She had agreed to work for him, but there was no need to take advantage of her like this!

This evil "capitalist" who exploited and squeezed her labor!

"Your Highness, the ink has been ground. I'll take my leave now." Xiao Guo'er rubbed her sore wrist, lowering her brows and looking submissive. It was hard to tell that she had cursed the prince several times in her heart.

When Xiao Guoer saw that after she finished speaking, the Eighth Prince didn't even raise his head, but just nonchalantly made a "hmm" sound through his nose, she became very angry.

Just as he was about to turn around and leave, he heard the man say, "Wait a minute..."

Xiao Guoer paused, thinking that he was going to ask her to contribute labor for free again. When she was about to lose control of her resentment, she heard him continue, "Take out the plate of snacks on the table."

Xiao Guoer breathed a sigh of relief, recognizing that this plate of snacks was the same as the ones Wu Qingqing made last time. They tasted great, and she had been thinking about them since the last time. She immediately picked up the plate happily, and bowed to the Eighth Prince who still didn't raise his head and left.

Zhao Yunrong raised his head from the book only after Xiao Guoer closed the door. He stared at the direction of the door, thinking about the reluctant expression Xiao Guoer showed when she was grinding the ink just now, and the happy smile and curved smiling eyes when she saw the snacks. The tough lines on his face gradually softened unconsciously.

I don’t know how long it took, but he closed his eyes deeply and sighed deeply in his heart.

Xiao Guoer took the snacks and went out. When she was about to give a few pieces to Shen Jing at the door, she was sternly rejected by the other party.

Seeing his firm attitude, Xiao Guoer had no choice but to give up. Before leaving, she did not forget to remind him, "Master Shen, I bought that shirt based on your size. If it doesn't fit, just give it to me and I can change it."

Shen Jing watched Xiao Guoer disappear from his sight and breathed a sigh of relief. He was really not used to other people's enthusiasm... Although the snacks were indeed delicious, he didn't want to be choked and speechless in front of the Eighth Prince again...

It was not until night fell and the stars twinkled that Xiao Guoer finally saw Tang Jingchen.

"Why are you so busy so late?"

"Ah, dealing with officials is really troublesome because you have to be cautious."

Seeing Tang Jingchen's exhausted face, Xiao Guo was indignant. "Why did the Eighth Prince arrange so many things for you? I think he has nothing to do! He is free and easy, but he wants you to work like a slave for him. It's so shameless! You are not his real subordinate, why do you have to be enslaved by him like this! Tomorrow he orders you to do something, and you will shirk it by saying that you are not feeling well!"