On her wedding night, she went into exile with her pharmacy arsenal

Chapter 2138 Officials Rely on Ghosts and Gods

After dealing with the lawsuit, Yan Ruyu remembered that she hadn't seen Wu Liang and the others for a long time, so she decided to go back to her old residence.

As soon as I walked through the corridor, I heard Su Shengsheng's voice.

She looked up and saw two people standing not far away. One was Su Shengsheng, and the other was an old woman dressed in a blue cloth dress. Her hair was neatly combed and held in place with a wooden hairpin, and her expression was peaceful.

Su Shengsheng and the old woman were chatting away when they saw Yan Ruyu. Their eyes lit up, and they immediately ran over excitedly: "Little doctor! Are you going out?"

Yan Ruyu stopped and a gentle smile appeared on her face: "I'll go check on Wu Liang and the others."

Su Shengsheng pulled the old woman next to him and introduced her with a smile: "Little doctor, this is Zhang Mama, who just came to my house. She makes excellent soups, and they smell so good!"

She's making me chicken soup for lunch today, with lots of nourishing herbs in it. I specially saved some for you; you must come and try it later!

Yan Ruyu's gaze fell on Zhang Mama, and she looked at her carefully for a few moments.

Granny Zhang was around sixty years old, her face covered with fine wrinkles, and her eyes were calm. However, when she looked at Yan Ruyu, a strange glint seemed to flash in her eyes before she returned to her usual composure.

She nodded slightly to Yan Ruyu, her voice gentle: "If you don't mind, young master, please try my cooking."

Yan Ruyu withdrew her gaze, a trace of doubt passing through her mind. She nodded and smiled, "Since Miss Su has extended such a warm invitation, then I shall accept it without hesitation."

"I'm going to take care of some things first, I'll be back in a bit."

Su Shengsheng happily agreed.

Yan Ruyu walked out of the Su residence and strolled slowly along the street.

The streets were still bustling with people, who were still talking about the notice, their faces filled with long-lost hope.

Yan Ruyu walked slowly through the shadows of the trees to the outside of the house. The gate was ajar. She pushed it open and entered. Two guards dressed in black were standing guard under the porch of the main house. When they saw her come in, they quickly stepped forward to greet her.

"princess."

Yan Ruyu nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze sweeping across the empty courtyard: "Wu Liang and the others aren't here?"

"Your Highness, Wu Liang and the others have gone to the governor's mansion."

"They said they were going to the mansion to look for something."

"The Prefect's Office?" Yan Ruyu wondered. Wu Liang and the others were always cautious in their actions, and if it was something important, there was no reason for them not to report it in advance.

However, upon further reflection, he realized that those individuals were all highly skilled and quick-witted, and would likely be able to handle ordinary dangerous situations with ease, so he was able to put his worries to rest.

Yan Ruyu waved her hand and placed the food she had taken from her spatial storage on the table.

"I just came to visit and brought you some food."

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness."

Yan Ruyu gave a few more instructions and then turned to leave.

Just as I reached the courtyard gate, I saw a figure hurrying out of the alley. His gray robe was dusty, and a small copper whistle hung at his waist—it was a bee whistle.

A thin layer of sweat glistened on his forehead. Upon seeing Yan Ruyu at the courtyard gate, he hurried forward without pausing, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting.

"Your Highness, what brings you here?" Bee Whistle's voice carried a hint of surprise, yet couldn't hide his respect. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Nothing urgent, just came to check on things. You've come at the perfect time."

"Take some time these next few days to buy some daily necessities. Miss Qi and Young Master An will be coming to Rongzhou in a few days and will be staying here for a while."

Bee Whistle's eyes lit up, and he said in a light tone, "I'll take care of it right away!"

Yan Ruyu nodded, noticing the hesitant look on his face, and raised an eyebrow: "Is there anything else?"

The smile on Bee Whistle's face gradually faded, and he lowered his voice to a whisper: "Your Highness, I have something to report."

Yan Ruyu picked up the teacup on the stone table, took a small sip, and said calmly, "What is it? Please speak freely."

She knew that Bee Whistle's specialty was gathering information. Whether it was rumors from the streets or secrets from officialdom, he could always capture the key with his keen insight. Now that he had mentioned it specifically, he must have discovered some unusual clues.

Bee Whistle took a deep breath and his tone became serious: "These past two days, Rongzhou City has been in turmoil. The Liu family was suddenly raided, and then Governor Ding fell from power."

Bee Whistle continued, lowering his voice even further: "There are all sorts of rumors circulating in the city now. The Liu family's downfall and Governor Ding's downfall are certainly deserved, but some people also say..."

He paused, a hint of disbelief in his eyes.

"What did you say?" Yan Ruyu pressed.

"It is said that the reason why Governor Ding has been able to hold the position of governor for so many years is not because of his political achievements, but because he prayed to the gods."

"Today, while I was gathering information at a teahouse, I overheard some old soldiers who have worked in the government office for many years chatting. They said that there is a secret hidden in the governor's mansion."

When Prefect Ding first took office, Rongzhou City suffered successive droughts and floods, and the people were filled with resentment. He should have been dismissed long ago, but not only did he remain in office, he was promoted steadily, all thanks to the protection of the 'deity' enshrined in his residence.

"Seek help from ghosts and gods?" Yan Ruyu frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.

This is the first time I've heard of the Su family receiving so many petitions against Prefect Ding.

"Those old soldiers said that there is a secret room in the backyard of the governor's mansion, which is locked all year round, and no one except Governor Ding's confidants is allowed to go near it."

The whistle came closer, its breath tinged with tension. "Someone once passed by the backyard late at night and heard strange chanting coming from inside, along with the smell of incense."

Some even said they saw Governor Ding enter with offerings, his expression extremely respectful, unlike someone worshipping ordinary Buddhist or Taoist deities.

"Is there any evidence to support these rumors?" Yan Ruyu asked.

Bee Whistle shook his head, a hint of embarrassment on his face: "There's no concrete evidence yet, it's all just idle gossip in teahouses and taverns."

Yan Ruyu wondered why Wu Liang and the others had gone to the governor's mansion at this particular time, claiming they were looking for something. Could it be related to Governor Ding's secret?

"Go and check again." Yan Ruyu looked up at Bee Whistle, her gaze calm. "Remember to be cautious in your actions, do not force things, and prioritize safety."

"Understood!" Bee Whistle immediately replied, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Don't delay the procurement of supplies either," she instructed. "Miss Qi and Young Master An have had a long journey, so make sure they are comfortable."

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will take care of it immediately and ensure everything is done perfectly."

Bee Whistle quickly agreed and turned to leave, but then stopped as if remembering something: "By the way, Your Highness, if Brother Wu Liang and the others return, should I have them go to find you immediately?"

Yan Ruyu pondered for a moment, then shook her head: "No need, just let them wait here for news."

Although she had doubts, she was unwilling to interfere too much with Wu Liang and the others' actions, since they always acted with discretion.

"Ghosts and gods?" She couldn't help but smile dismissively.

This rumor is quite interesting.

I just don't know what kind of person would choose to be a ghost instead of a human being.