Gu Yan maintained a calm expression, clasped his fists, and bowed: "Upholding justice is the duty of people like us. I am Gu Yan. This official road leads to the Capital City. Are you two headed there?"
His gaze swept over the man sitting on the ground, nodding to him.
The man had a long scar on his face; judging by his posture, he was not fit to travel, and his voice, just heard a moment ago, was hoarse!
The beautiful young woman paid it no mind, no matter what identities they had, which made Gu Yan gain a slight fondness for her.
She is a good young lady.
Her lips slightly curved into a smile, and she candidly responded to her benefactor: "I am Lu He. Yes, I am heading to Shangjing with my friend to seek out the Divine Doctor Xiao Mingchu in the Capital City to cure my friend’s illness."
Gu Yan clasped his fists and bowed to her, suggesting: "Traveling relies on friends. You are a lone young lady, and with your friend’s limited mobility, I am also heading to the Capital City. If you don’t mind, you are welcome to travel with me. I have some martial skills and can provide some protection."
Upon saying this, he felt a bit abrupt and added, "This is merely a suggestion. If it’s inconvenient for you, we can proceed separately."
"No, no, no, it’s not inconvenient at all."
Lu He’s gentle face immediately turned tense, hastily stopping any chance of him backing out. "We are passing through without support and were harassed by these ruffians. If Hero Gu can lend a hand, it would be greatly appreciated."
They chatted briefly and agreed on the arrangement.
The three of them set off for the Capital City together.
With Gu Yan leading the way, Lu He drove the carriage carrying the Eldest Young Master, heading north.
During the journey, while staying at an inn, Lu He was found by Hero Gu sharing a room with the Eldest Young Master, and she once again lied about being a married couple!
The money she had wasn’t enough for two rooms, not to mention the expenses in the Capital City; she needed to think of a way to make money.
After a dusty journey, two days later, at noon.
Standing in front of the city gates, Lu He was filled with emotions. Is this the Capital City~
Hearing someone play the pipa in a boat at night, its sound resonated, filled with the essence of Shangjing, a gathering place for nobility.
The three entered the city.
On both sides of the streets, buildings were neatly aligned—tea houses, taverns, workshops, pawn shops, Money Shops... Passersby constantly brushed by. Along the road’s sides were vendors under large umbrellas, and shops selling silk, jewelry, spices, and exquisite delicacies were everywhere to be seen.
Signs and flags flapped to attract business: fortune tellers, candied haw sellers, and even kite sellers... all kinds of items filled the scene.
Reaching their destination, Gu Yan didn’t stay long. He proposed to leave, demonstrating the hands-clasped etiquette of a Jianghu person: "Capital City is under the emperor’s reign, and guards can be seen at any time. Wrongdoers dare not act openly. Rest assured, miss. Since you’ve arrived at the Capital City, I will take my leave. Until we meet again."
Imitating his gesture, Lu He returned the courtesy: "Thank you, Hero Gu. We were fortunate you were with us; otherwise, something might have happened."
She sincerely appreciated that, over these past two days, she no longer had to worry about those two lewd men chasing them.
The man in the azure silhouette departed~
Wearing a light purple straight-collared long dress, Lu He ran back to the carriage, nimbly climbed on, and sat in the driver’s seat, gently steering the carriage at a slow pace, "Eldest Young Master, we’ve arrived in the Capital City. Now, let’s find a place to stay. Once the sun is less harsh, I’ll go and inquire about my grandparents’ whereabouts."
Zhao Jun lifted the green cloth on the carriage and agreed by saying "Mm."
As usual, they sought out an inn that looked clean and was reasonably priced.