Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 201 - 199: It’s Here

The wheat gradually shifted from green to yellow in the fields, signaling the arrival of the long-awaited incognito visit.

That day, gentle spring rain had just ceased as several fine horses and a subtle yet luxurious carriage left the official road, drove into Lianxi Village, and arrived at the front door of Xiao’er’s house.

Huang Wei, the royal guard of the fourth-rank bearing a sword, dismounted from his horse and knocked on the door.

"May I ask who the honored guests are?" the gatekeeper, Mr. Xie, politely asked from a small door hole.

"We’ve come from the Imperial Capital to search for Marquis Shengping," replied Huang Wei, withholding the identities of his party.

"Please wait a moment while I notify the residents," Mr. Xie replied and hurried to relay the message after hearing these words.

At this time, the Emperor also stepped down from the carriage. Naturally, others including Shangguan Xuanyi, Shangguan Xuanhao, Di Shaowei, and the governor’s eldest and second sons, along with Huang Wei, also dismounted their horses, standing behind the Emperor and waiting.

Upon hearing the gatekeeper’s report, Mrs. Liu, Xiao’er’s adoptive mother, hastened to greet them.

Shen Chengyao had gone to the fields again that day. With the recent frequent rainfall and the wheat about to ripen, he was worried about the state of the crop in the fields. Sight unseen, he had gone down to the fields with the long-term workers to drain the water from the wheat field.

With every rain that fell, Shen Chengyao’s forehead furrowed in worry. He feared continued rainfall would lead to the wheat sprouting in the ground before it could be harvested.

Although Xiao’er always reassured him that after so many days of rainfall, the weather would certainly clear up tomorrow, he remained anxious.

But how could Shen Chengyao just relax?

A villager spotted Shen Chengyao in the field and said, "Brother Chengyao, several people have arrived at the front of your house. They all rode in on horses and have a carriage with them!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Chengyao rushed home, not even stopping to put on his shoes or pull down his trouser legs, his feet caked in mud.

Just then, Mrs. Liu was leading their three daughters out to greet the visitors. Just as they were about to perform a formal bow, they were stopped by the Emperor.

"Madam Shen, you don’t need to be so formal. Since we’re outside, you can dispense with these cumbersome protocols. Please treat me as a friend visiting your home," the Emperor prevented them from performing the formalities.

Upon hearing these words, Mrs. Liu simply led their three daughters in a slight bow and then ushered the group of people into the house.

The Emperor said this because he did not want to reveal his identity. However, just because they were told unnecessary formalities could be skipped, didn’t mean they dared to bypass them altogether, so some greeting was still required at the beginning.

This was something Xiao’er had discussed with Mrs. Liu in advance.

Xiao’er personally brewed tea for each guest.

At this moment, Shen Chengyao rushed in and was about to perform the formalities when the Emperor intervened. He then saw the mud-splattered Shen Chengyao and asked, "There’s no need for such formalities. However, Marquis Shengping, have you fallen into a mud pit?"

Only then, did Shen Chengyao remember the mud all over his feet, his trouser legs rolled up to his calves. This was unsightly behavior in front of the Emperor!

"Your Majes..." Shen Chengyao began, bending over to perform the formalities and apologize.

"Just call me Mr. Shangguan," the Emperor interrupted with an outstretched hand.

Shangguan is a common surname in the Minze Dynasty, shared by many commoners, giving the Emperor the confidence to use his actual surname freely.

"Yes, Mr. Shangguan, I was just draining water from my wheat field when I heard that there were guests at home. In my haste to return, I forgot to freshen up my appearance. I hope Mr. Shangguan will forgive me!"

"I never thought Marquis Shengping would personally take to the fields. I’m truly impressed! Now, this is hardly a mistake. There’s no need to ask for forgiveness. You should go and clean up immediately!" The Emperor waved his hand, dismissing him.

Truthfully, seeing this a real moment made a deep impression on the Emperor, a pleasant surprise.

"Mr. Shangguan, you must be tired from traveling so many days. Why don’t you rest for a while? We’ll prepare some food for you," Xiao’er suggested, noticing their exhausted appearance.

The Emperor, who had not exerted so much effort in a long time, was indeed exhausted, so he nodded in agreement.

Xiao’er led them to the villa at the top of the hill.

The three-story hilltop villa was designed with four rooms, two halls, and two balconies on each floor.

In preparation for the Emperor’s arrival, Xiao’er put great effort into the decorations.

The balconies of the villa were ingeniously planted with a variety of vibrant flowers.

From a distance, it resembled a flower house, cozy and beautiful, but not chaotic.

At the cusp of late spring and early summer, many medicinal plants on the mountain were also in bloom. Xiao’er also added different-colored spring flowers here and there. The entire mountain was breathtakingly beautiful.

In addition, the mountainside next door full of fruit trees looked spectacular as the peach, pear, cherry, and apricot blossoms were still present among the green leaves, with bits of pink, white, and red scattered around, with a distant fragrance making one feel refreshed and delighted.

It was the Emperor’s first time seeing this kind of house, and he found it most pleasing - a vibe permeated with artistic conception.

The Emperor thought to himself that even though these were not rare flowers, their arrangement had been managed in such a way that one couldn’t help but be captivated by the view.

These elements could be likened to the family of Marquis Shengping. Despite their humble origins, they were second to none compared to all the intellectuals and warriors in the Manchu Dynasty.

When Shangguan Xuanyi had visited the year before, he had seen the early days of the buildings and landscaping.

A year later, this place had transformed into an almost heavenly existence.

"Xiao’er, you truly have magical abilities to have transformed this deteriorated place into something miraculous," Di Shaowei finally couldn’t help but praise Xiao’er after observing everything along the way.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" The Emperor curiously asked upon hearing it.

"My Lord, these used to be wastelands before. Both mountains were barren, full of stones, weeds, and shrubs. It was only last year that Marquis Shengping cleaned it up and planted. Look at the vigorous growth of these crops. They don’t appear to be grown in wasteland at all. Even fertile land might not produce such results," Di Shaowei quickly replied.

"Marquis Shengping, you are indeed a skilled farmer," the Emperor praised again.

"I appreciate your praising words, but it was just a stroke of fortune," Shen Chengyao humbly replied, feeling somewhat guilty. There were secret reasons for this, but they couldn’t be shared.

As they climbed the mountain, the Emperor continually asked Shen Chengyao about the different plants they passed.

Shangguan Xuanhao was the most astonished upon seeing the medicinal plants Xiao’er had grown on the barren land and mountain. His eyes were wide open in disbelief.

So it wasn’t a lie last time. Her family really did have all these medicinal plants.

"Where did you find these medicinal plants to grow, girl?"

"Some were found in the mountain, some were bought, and others were gifts," she replied.

"Girl, I’ll just come to you for medicinal plants from now on. I won’t have to make the arduous trip into the deep mountains and forests!"

"Okay!" Xiao’er responded with a smile.

"I still haven’t properly thanked Marquis Shengping for providing me with such exceptional medicine. It allowed me to stand up again as a normal person," the governor’s eldest son rushed to say.

"It was our duty," she replied matter-of-factly.

Back then, she had to cure his leg to avoid marrying him and to thank them for agreeing not to pursue the matter further.

After making their way up the mountain, the group finally reached the mountain-top villa. Looking out at the misty Five Gods Mountain, the dream-like waterfall, the beautiful lake, and the murmuring streams, the beauty was delicate and attractive.

If the man-made beauty they had seen just a moment ago was breathtaking, then the natural beauty they were seeing now was too spectacular for words!

"Marquis Shengping, your house is beautifully constructed! I’d love to stay here for a while," the Emperor joked.

"Mr. Shangguan, you flatter me too much. You are more than welcome here!" Shen Chengyao replied.