Volume 3: Heavenly Tribulation Chapter 91: Boarding the Ship

  Took my wife to the hospital for a check-up today and it turned out she has hyperthyroidism, really bad luck... Ah, sorry for the late update, everyone please forgive me, there should be another chapter later, seeking comfort!

  When there is no way to seek justice, and the law cannot be upheld, then a dagger will appear. This is the simplest philosophy of a common man. However, as a young and weak woman, Ruguong's daughter dared to take risks and become an "assassin" to avenge her parents and clear their name, which even moved Chen Xiangfu and earned his admiration.

  This kind of courage to fight against, how can ordinary people possess?

  Xiang'er gazed at Chen Jianchen with a mixture of anxiety and hope, unsure if he would agree to help her. She had come seeking Miss's assistance based on a hunch, without any concrete evidence or leads. Fortunately, fate had brought them together, although they had only met once before and knew little about each other. Desperate for a solution, Xiang'er decided to take a chance and approach Chen Jianchen, hoping that he would be more effective in resolving the issue than she, a mere maid, could ever be.

  "Your Highness..."

  Chen Jianchen waved his hand and asked in a low voice, "Do you know which boat your young lady is likely to be on?" He didn't promise to answer right away. After all, this matter was too complicated, the situation was unclear, and with his own ability, he might not be able to help much. It wouldn't be possible for him to pat his chest and say how he would do it, only to fail in the end and owe someone a favor.

  Xiang'er furrowed her brow, thought for a moment, and said hesitantly: "I don't know about this... but I think it should be a big ship, because there are dozens of guests."

  If it can be confirmed as a large ship, then the first step has been successfully taken.

  On the Suzhou River, there were only three large cruise ships, and the search range suddenly narrowed down, making it easier to handle. At least it was no longer like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, even so, even if Chen Jianchen had identified the boat, he couldn't rush on board to rescue people. Those guests on the cruise ship were either rich or noble, and they had servants and bodyguards by their side. Basically, every one of them was a local snake, what could Chen Jianchen use to get on the boat to save people? Rushing up abruptly would be asking for trouble.

  "Does he know the other party's name?"

  Upon hearing this, Xiang'er's face showed a hint of resentment: "Of course, his surname is Li, and his courtesy name is Yifeng; he is a scholar who has passed the imperial examination."

  At this time, Wang Fu had already chosen the painting boat and ran over excitedly. Seeing Chen Jianchen chatting with a maid, he found it strange and asked: "Liu Xian, what's going on?"

  Chen Jianchen shook his head and didn't answer immediately. He glanced at the boatman who was still there, and hastily asked: "Excuse me, sir, I'd like to ask you about those three large painting boats on the Suzhou River, what are they famous for?"

  That man smiled and said, "Young master has asked the right person. As for this Suzhou River, I even know how much water is in the river and how many trees are on the riverbank..."

  Seeing him speaking evasively, saying nothing substantial, Chen Jianchen couldn't help but frown.

  On the other side, Wang Fu Ba was quick-witted and immediately shouted: "What's the point of talking nonsense? Get to the main topic quickly... Lai Fu, come and take a look!"

  After receiving the reward, the man's face lit up with a smile: "The three largest painting boats on the Suzhou River are named 'Out of the Water Lotus', 'Yellow Dragon Drinking Water' and 'Hundred Flowers Boat'. They belong to three different families. There are nearly a hundred girls on the boat, each one is as beautiful as a flower..."

  After hearing this, there's not much value in the rest of the content. Chen Jianchen suddenly interrupted and directly asked: "I heard that Li Yifeng, the great official Li, is hosting a grand banquet today. I wonder which boat it's being held on?"

  The man indeed knew the answer and replied: "They are certainly above 'Huang Long Drinking Water', celebrating Li Da Guan Ren's new marriage to his sixth concubine..."

  He lowered his voice: "This concubine of his was a famous courtesan on the painted barge, whom Li Da had redeemed for 3,000 strings of cash. She is charming and enchanting, envied by others... Ah, it's this very boat."

  He pointed with one hand, pointing directly at the large painting boat drifting downstream.

  Chen Jianchen looked at his fingertips and suddenly understood. He smiled: "I see, thank you."

  The man repeatedly said he didn't dare and bid farewell to leave, going elsewhere to solicit customers.

  At this time, Wang Fu still didn't understand what had happened and pulled Chen Jianchen to the side: "Liu Xian, what's going on? I feel like you're acting strange all of a sudden."

  Chen Jianchen smiled and said: "It's okay... Well, since you've chosen the painting boat, go ahead first, don't wait for me."

  If this matter involves Wang Fu, it will bring him no benefit, but rather harm.

  Wang Fugui nodded silently, but didn't dare to continue asking questions. He could only say: "Alright then, my foolish brother has chosen a boat called 'Young Master's Sentiment'. It's moored under that willow tree over there. I'll go ahead and order some food and wine, you come over when you're done."

  Chen Jianchen absent-mindedly said: "Okay."

  Wang Fu took Lai Fu and left on his own.

  Chen Jianchen's gaze immediately fell on the "Huanglong Yinshui" drifting slowly on the river surface, his eyebrows furrowed.

  At this moment, on the "Yellow Dragon Drinking Water", there are occasional orchestral music coming out, the music is moving, with laughter and cheers mixed in, and many guests are drinking and having fun upstairs.

  Narugongnyeo is on the ship.

  Having confirmed the whereabouts of the young lady, Xiang'er couldn't help but rush over and shout loudly. Fortunately, Chen Jianchen was quick-witted and grabbed her, covering her mouth, and whispered: "Are you crazy?"

  Xiang'er still wanted to struggle, Chen Jianchen continued: "You shouted and rushed forward impulsively, your family's young lady would immediately be ruined."

  Xiang Er finally softened, tears streaming down her face.

  Chen Jianchen let her go and said: "I know you're anxious to save your master, but this will only alarm the enemy and make things worse."

  Xiang'er was already at her wit's end and anxiously asked: "Young master, what should we do?"

  To be honest, Chen Jianchen doesn't have a good solution now. The large boat is drifting slowly in the river, and it's too far away. Even if he has light kung fu skills, he can't jump up to it. The current situation is simply an unsolvable dilemma.

  "Huh? Young master, the painted barge is rowing towards us."

  Xiang'er woke up with a start.

  Chen Jianchen was taken aback and looked over to see that the "Huang Long Drinking Water" was indeed slowly turning its bow towards the shore.

  What an opportunity!

  Chen Jianchen took a deep breath and said, "Xiang Er, if you want to save your young mistress, then from now on, everything must be done according to my plan."

  Xiang'er nodded vigorously.

  Chen Jianchen did not rush over immediately, suppressing his temper to see what the other party's intentions were. Just then, he saw four sedan bearers carrying a sedan chair in big strides from another direction, walking towards the place where "Huang Long Yin Shui" was going to dock.

  It turned out that the boat was moored just to welcome new guests!

  This section of the river is clearly well-maintained, with very deep water, and even large boats can dock without fear of running aground. The boat is now approaching the shore. Meanwhile, the sedan chair has arrived at its destination, stopped, and a middle-aged man in elegant attire emerged from it.

  Chen Jianchen saw from afar and his heart skipped a beat, this official was actually someone he knew, it was that Huangfu official - the noble guest who had bought his first calligraphy piece at Jiangzhou's Xueni Studio. At that time, the other party had even invited him to Suzhou to be the tutor of his daughter.

  Does this count as "the mountains are heavy and the water is repeated, there is no road, the willows are dark and the flowers are bright again in another village?"

  Chen Jianchen quietly called out a lucky phrase and hurried over, shouting: "Huangfu Officer!"

  Upon hearing the shout, Huangfu turned his head to look around and when he saw Chen Jianshen, he was taken aback at first, then a delighted expression appeared on his face - it was clear that he had a deep impression of Chen Jianshen, which is why he still remembered him so vividly.

  "Lord Chen, what brings you here?"

  Laughing and welcoming me with a smile.

  It's easier this way. Chen Jianchen bowed his hands and said, "I'm just accompanying a friend to play in Suzhou, I didn't expect to meet you here, it's really fortunate."

  Huangfu's attendant waved his hand: "Nonsense, I'm lucky to see you again, young master."

  They exchanged some pleasantries.

  Huangfu Yiwai asked: "Isn't Mr. Chen also here to sit in a painting boat and tour the river?"

  Chen Jianchen replied, "I came because of the fame, and now I happen to see this large painting boat. The craftsmanship is exquisite, the decoration is rich and majestic, and I couldn't help but sigh in admiration. I couldn't bear to leave, so I stopped to take a look, and unexpectedly saw you arriving in your sedan chair, which is why I called out to you."

  He was referring to the "Yellow Dragon Drinking Water" coming ashore.

  Huangfu Yiwai smiled and said, "So that's how it is... actually, I was invited to come aboard this large painting boat for a banquet."

  Chen Jianchen pretended to be surprised: "No wonder, sir, you came to attend a friend's banquet and had a great time enjoying yourself."

  Huangfu's eyes suddenly turned, saying: "Chen Gongzi, it's better to meet by chance than to be invited. Why don't you come aboard with me? I'm not talented, but I have some business dealings with the host."

  Chen Jianchen's heart was delighted, but he didn't show it: "This is probably inconvenient."

  Huangfu Yewai said, "What's not convenient? Young Master has a belly full of talent, no matter where he goes, he's a noble guest. Others can't even get an invitation to visit. Let's just say it's settled then, this one must be your personal maid, come on, let's board the boat together."

  As he spoke, he pulled Chen Jianchen's hand and walked away without saying another word.

  What would Xiang'er refuse to do? She immediately took a step forward, as if she wanted to rush onto the boat right away and stop Miss's adventurous behavior. At this time, Chen Jianchen cleared his throat, and Xiang'er suddenly came to her senses, slightly lowering her head so that others wouldn't notice her excitement. After all, she had promised Chen Jianchen to follow his arrangements. However, this young master Chen was indeed capable, and he actually knew someone in Suzhou. Looking at Huangfu's elegant attire and dignified demeanor, it was clear that he was a man of great importance. Thus, saving Miss just gained another glimmer of hope.

  On the way, Huangfu said again: "Chen Gongzi, after the banquet, no matter what, you must come to our villa as a guest. Hehe, our small villa is not far from here, just at the foot of Dongshan Mountain over there."

  He pointed, pointing to a continuous mountain range behind him, which was the ring-shaped Dongshan.

  Chen Jianchen didn't have time to think much, they arrived at the shore and the "Huanglong Drinking Water" pleasure boat was also rowed close enough. A wide ladder was pushed out from the bow of the ship, one end remained on the ship, and the other end was fixed on the shore. Walking up the ladder onto the ship was as easy as walking on flat ground.

  "Huangfu is late, and should be penalized with three cups of wine!"

  On the bow of the ship, a tall and majestic official emerged, laughing loudly at Huangfu.