No choice, after all, men’s clothing tends to be larger.
When she came out, Gu Youyou suddenly realized someone was spying on her.
She immediately turned around and saw a shady-looking person near the clay figurine stall not far from her, pretending to buy figurines but actually looking quite uncomfortable.
Gu Youyou took a glance and found his face somewhat familiar, and when she recalled who he was, she was slightly startled. Wasn’t this one of the men who had pursued her to the edge of the cliff, the one who had loudly proclaimed his intent to kill "Gu the Third"?
Dammit, these people really followed her here.
Gu Youyou didn’t linger and quickly packed up her things and returned to the inn.
"What’s the rush?" Jin Zijin asked.
As Gu Youyou packed, she said, "Aren’t you eager to return? Let’s leave now."
Jin Zijin’s gaze darkened slightly.
At that moment, Yue Rujing also rushed in anxiously.
Another person in a flurry of haste.
"Brother!" Yue Rujing didn’t say a word, but with one look, Jin Zijin understood what was going on.
He said, "Alright, let’s leave now."
On the way, they pressed on with great urgency, arriving at the next city half a day earlier than expected. They didn’t rest this time, just replenished briefly before continuing their journey, all the way to Lingnan.
Lingnan City was the largest city to the south of Zhuzhao Country, and further south was Nanzhao Country. Lingnan also served as a natural barrier separating Zhuzhao Country from Nanzhao Country, as well as being an important hub for interaction between the two nations. Therefore, even though Lingnan was just a border city of Zhuzhao Country, it was bustling with activity.
Being a border defensive city, Lingnan had a well-trained garrison and maintained stricter management over the residents entering the city. The city gates would open at a few set times each day to allow people to enter and leave the city for business. If the time was not right, everyone had to wait outside the gate, unless they were officers on important missions.
Seeing the ancient and sturdy city walls just ahead, Yue Rujing chatted away with a smile.
He and Gu Youyou had grown tired of each other over the past few days, but perhaps because they were nearly home, he became more talkative and even amiably began to introduce Gu Youyou to the local customs of Lingnan.
"The girls and boys here are much more forthright than those from the inner cities. Don’t be scared." Then recalling Gu Youyou’s shockingly unconventional temperament, his face stiffened, and he snorted, "Of course, you make them seem tame by comparison. You should still tone it down, so you don’t frighten the townspeople."
...Gu Youyou was speechless. You’re the one who sneaked a peek at a minor surgery, and instead of feeling shame for spying, you’re treating me, a doctor who is legitimately treating patients, like I’m some kind of monster.
Where is the justice in that?
"Ajing!" Jin Zijin gave him a warning glare and then said to Gu Youyou, "The people in the city are simple folk. Whatever you did in Qingshui Town, do the same here. Don’t listen to Ajing’s nonsense."
"Sure, husband!" Gu Youyou replied with a smile, infuriating Yue Rujing enough to gnash his teeth.
Seeing Yue Rujing’s displeasure, Gu Youyou felt extremely gratified.
It was not yet time to open the city gates. Yue Rujing, riding ahead, led the way, while the pace of Gu Youyou’s and Jin Zijin’s horses slowed.
He took out an identification plaque and showed it to the guards at the city gate.
"Kang Shouyi, open the gate quickly!"
Kang Shouyi was the commander in charge of Lingnan’s city defenses, and he recognized Yue Rujing. Hearing the voice, he quickly peeked out, and upon confirming that it was indeed the Princely Heir returning to the city, he immediately instructed his men to arrange for the gates to be opened and personally descended from the watchtower.
"Young Master, please wait a moment!"