Chapter 162: Auditory Hallucinations

In the Imperial Capital, Baili Hai, while on his way to the palace, suddenly lifted the curtain of his sedan chair and addressed Liu Degui, who was walking alongside: "I haven't had breakfast from the Ma Family Tea Stall in quite some time. Go and buy some for me to enjoy."

Liu Degui replied with a bow, "At once, Your Majesty." He stepped out of the imperial procession, retreated to the roadside, changed direction, and headed toward the Liushui Residence. He recalled that when the golden plaque was delivered to the Liushui Residence, the Ma Family Tea Stall had relocated there. It would be pointless to check the old alleyway; going directly to the Liushui Residence was the right move.

Today, with the send-off for the Virtuous Prince, Baili Hai had cancelled the morning court session. The sun had barely risen, and the sky was just beginning to brighten. Baili Hai’s craving for the stall's food was not a mere whim; he had skipped breakfast and was genuinely hungry.

When Liu Degui arrived at the Liushui Residence, the one hundred portions that usually sold out quickly had not yet been put on sale. It was not for lack of customers; two long queues stretched out before the stall, with people numbering several times the available portions.

It wasn't that Ma Tianqiong and his wife refused to sell; rather, it was a "double day," and per Liu Ling'er's instructions, this was the day to call out the code phrases. They were debating how to begin—or, more accurately, who would be the one to start.

Ma Tianqiong nudged his wife. "Xiao Mei, your voice is sharp and clear, you should call it out! Besides, your voice is so pleasant; it won't sound abrupt at all. You truly are the virtuous helper sent by the heavens to assist me."

He had thick skin indeed; to avoid shouting the lines himself, he heaped on the compliments, bordering on bold-faced lies.

Mei Long glared at him. "What are you talking about, Tianqiong? What do you mean 'sharp'? If it's sharp, it carries even further when you stretch your throat! And 'pleasant'? I've never heard you say that before."

"Heh heh!" Ma Tianqiong chuckled foolishly. "It’s not just me—the sounds you make when we are together at night are like celestial music, making my blood boil every time. To my ears, that is the most beautiful sound in the world."

Mei Long didn't catch the implication at first, but once the meaning sank in, her face turned the color of a tomato. She grabbed a pinch of soft skin on Ma Tianqiong and twisted hard, causing him to yelp in pain. She struck his chest with her fist and scolded, "You scoundrel! With so many people around, how dare you bring up such things? Do you want to kneel on the washboard? I’ll make sure you get a good, long session tonight, I guarantee it. And another thing—you are going to call out those lines whether you want to or not. If you do a good job, maybe I'll let you off a little early tonight. Otherwise, hmph!"

The threat was clear. Ma Tianqiong’s face fell; he regretted opening his mouth.

The crowd in line watched the couple dallying and flirting instead of selling breakfast, and they couldn't help but feel impatient. "Excuse me, you two, could you please sell the food first? You can flirt for a day and a night once you're home behind closed doors!"

Pushed into a corner, Ma Tianqiong looked at the sea of heads, feeling more nervous than he had on his wedding night. He nearly dropped the food and ran. Fortunately, Mei Long kept her eyes fixed on him. Gritting his teeth, he shouted to the street: "Immortal Steamed Buns, Nectar Soy Milk, Longevity Peach Buns—step up, everyone!"

The first part was audible enough, but his voice grew fainter until it was nothing more than a whisper—so quiet that he could barely hear himself.

Mei Long glared at him. "Ma, did you waste that bowl of rice this morning? Where is your usual booming voice? This concerns the Heavenly Law Organization; if you can't even handle this, how can you serve the Law Master?"

Scolded by his wife, Ma Tianqiong hesitated no longer. He threw his head back and bellowed. As with everything, the first step was the hardest; once he shouted the first line, the rest followed naturally.

Thus, the Ma Family Tea Stall adopted a new way of selling. The crowd was curious but said little, taking their breakfast and leaving.

They did not realize that when Ma Tianqiong had first shouted about the "Immortal Steamed Buns," Liu Degui, who had just arrived, shuddered and shook his head, thinking he was suffering from auditory hallucinations. When Ma Tianqiong stopped shouting, Liu Degui’s heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster. He stood frozen in place, only realizing it wasn't a hallucination once Ma Tianqiong began chanting the code phrases rhythmically.

How many years had it been since he heard those words? Ever since the old Emperor passed away, he had assumed he would never hear the organization’s call again. Yet here it was. But why, he wondered, had there been no reaction when he offered subtle hints to the couple earlier?

Overcome with excitement, Liu Degui shouted, "Make way! Everyone, move aside!" Disregarding all decorum, he did whatever was fastest to reach the stall. He used his lightness skill, stepping onto people’s shoulders to fly toward the counter.

When others saw someone cutting the line, they were initially furious, ready to tear the offender apart. But upon seeing it was Liu Degui, the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Palace and the Emperor's favorite, they all clamped their mouths shut, not daring to utter a word.

In the capital, you might offend many, but there were a few you could not afford to cross—like this Chief Eunuch. Though he lacked certain physical attributes, he possessed overwhelming power. Those who offended him would surely face his wrath.

Most in the queue were servants of high-ranking officials, and many officials were present themselves. They had to bow and respectfully call him "Eunuch Liu." If he were pleased, a few kind words in the Emperor's ear could change their fortunes; if he were displeased, a few malicious words could ruin them.

When Liu Degui reached the counter, Ma Tianqiong stopped shouting and bowed respectfully. "Eunuch Liu, you've come! Forgive our lack of hospitality. Are you here to pick up breakfast for the Emperor?"

"Yes, and no," Liu Degui replied, leaving the couple bewildered.

Ma Tianqiong asked hesitantly, "Eunuch Liu, do you have other matters to attend to? Please, speak freely; there are no outsiders here."

Liu Degui scanned the crowd nervously, then pulled the couple aside. "Brother Ma, I am going to ask you some questions. This is of the utmost importance. You must answer me truthfully—do not deceive me!"