"My family specializes in selling wine. No one knows this business better than me. Divine doctor, rest assured. No matter what kind of wine you want to drink, our family has it. You can come anytime you like."
Seeing someone trying to outdo others, the other commoners were dissatisfied.
"The divine doctor came here. Even if he doesn't care about worldly possessions, he will surely help us. Am I right, divine doctor?"
That person seemed to think what he said made perfect sense. However, he didn't expect that as soon as he finished speaking, he was refuted by the person concerned.
"Sorry, but I really do care about these worldly possessions. Since someone is willing to give them, why shouldn't I take them? I'm not a fool."
This divine doctor had such a down - to - earth personality. Everyone didn't expect him to say such a thing.
But after they reacted, they didn't have any objections. Instead, they praised him.
"The divine doctor is truly straightforward. Those people before were too hypocritical. It's this kind of personality of the divine doctor that is likable."
"Then divine doctor, please treat us quickly. After you save us all, we can find as much good wine as you want."
The divine doctor waved his hand mysteriously at them. "For this matter, you just need to go back and wait patiently. In no more than two days, I will surely develop an antidote."
"Okay, then we'll leave everything to the divine doctor."
After seeing off the commoners, Shi Muwǎn accompanied the divine doctor to another tent.
"Divine doctor, you can stay here at ease. I've arranged people to protect you around. There won't be any problems."
"Naturally, I'm at ease with the arrangements of the empress dowager."
Just as Shi Muwǎn opened her mouth and was about to say something, there came eager footsteps from outside.
Then, a piece of news, like a thunderbolt on a clear day, exploded in the tent.
"The King of the Western Regions has been rescued."
The words she was about to say got stuck in her throat. She turned around and stared at the man in disbelief.
"Wasn't the national teacher personally keeping an eye on him? How could he escape? Is it the national teacher's negligence in guarding? In that case, should I hold you accountable?"
The usually gentle face of the young girl suddenly became extremely cold at this moment. It had been a long time since they last saw such an expression. Xiao Xiao almost thought that her master had really changed. In fact, it seemed that she just didn't want to lose her temper before.
Cui Qizhou was also surprised by her sudden change of expression, but he knew that the most urgent thing at the moment was the matter of the King of the Western Regions.
"It's my fault, empress dowager. You'd better first think about how to capture him. After we capture him, you can punish me however you like. I'll accept it."
"Immediately send out all the people. Search every inch of the place. Seal the city gates. I don't believe he can escape under everyone's noses."
As soon as Shi Muwǎn gave the order, Cui Qizhou immediately led away a large number of guards.
They originally thought the search would be very difficult. The King of the Western Regions had finally escaped, so he must have tried every means to hide.
However, things still exceeded everyone's expectations.
When everyone was as anxious as ants on a hot pan, the King of the Western Regions appeared in front of everyone openly.
The only difference this time was that he was holding several people.
When Shi Muwǎn received the news and rushed over, those people were already tied up by the King of the Western Regions and standing at the palace gate.
She gritted her teeth, wishing she could tear this man to pieces immediately.
"What exactly do you want? Didn't you already escape? Why are you still here?"
The King of the Western Regions looked disdainful. "When did my greed become so insignificant in the empress dowager's eyes? Didn't I already say what I wanted to do?"
"You want the Great Liang. That's absolutely impossible. You'd better weigh your own strength and think about how likely you are to leave here alive."
The King of the Western Regions sneered and spat. "Who said I want to leave here? If I don't get what I want today, these people will have to be buried with me. The empress dowager should know that I never show mercy. If these commoners accidentally die, it can't be blamed on me."
Hearing this, Shi Muwǎn had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, he waved the bottle in his hand. There seemed to be something terrifying in it.
"We in the Western Regions never lack poisonous insects. The empress dowager knows me well. Anyway, these are all commoners of your Great Liang. It has nothing to do with me. Even if all the people in this area die, I won't even blink an eye."
"He's so vicious. Empress dowager, why don't we just kill this villain right here?"
Shi Muwǎn glanced at Lord Qi who was speaking. How could she not want to shoot the King of the Western Regions dead right here.
But the lives of those commoners couldn't be sacrificed.
"No. Since he has brought people here, there must still be room for negotiation in this matter."
So, Shi Muwǎn took the initiative to take a step forward.
"Although I can't give you this country, you can take me away. Although the benefit may not seem that great, it can ensure your safety."
Hearing this, the King of the Western Regions seemed to be carefully considering whether what the empress dowager said was trustworthy.
Finally, he clapped his hands and made a decision.
"Then the empress dowager can come and exchange for these people."
He let go of those commoners. Watching them scramble towards their families, he sneered. "I don't know what exactly the empress dowager is so intent on protecting. Is it just these good - for - nothings?"
"You don't need to worry about this."
After Shi Muwǎn confirmed that those commoners were safe, she began to think about how to escape. But just as she started thinking, she was interrupted.
"Sister, it's too dangerous for you to go alone. I want to go with you."
The Concubine Rui didn't know where she had emerged from. As soon as she came up, she wanted to get closer.
Shi Muwǎn blinked her eyes and hadn't even reacted when she was already standing in front of her.
Seeing the annoying look on this woman's face, she almost couldn't help but slap her.
But just as she raised her hand, the King of the Western Regions beside her blocked her.
Helplessly, she could only say angrily.
"What are you doing here? Do you think this is a good errand? Can't you see that I'm worrying about this matter?"
The Concubine Rui looked extremely innocent, and even the King of the Western Regions believed her.
"Sister, I just think it's too dangerous for you to go alone. Besides, you need someone to look after you. Even if you're kidnapped, it's more reassuring to have someone with you."
Shi Muwǎn gritted her teeth. Did she think this was a day trip? Did she think the King of the Western Regions was a kind person?