Lu Huaihai needed to report to the provincial administration office first and estimated that it would take him a few days to handle affairs there. Therefore, he instructed Xie Miao’er to set off ahead of him. The Xie family’s fabrics were still undergoing the final stages of processing and counting, and when ready, they would be transported to Hangzhou under Cheng Yuandao’s supervision, where they would then travel by waterway to the capital together.
Walking ahead with long strides, Lu Huaihai suddenly heard Xie Miao’er calling out behind him. His steps paused, and he discreetly touched his sleeve.
Empty.
And sure enough, she had already chased after him relentlessly, her footsteps getting closer and closer.
“Here, your pouch.”
Lu Huaihai looked down to see her eyes sparkling brightly. Hesitantly, he reached out to take the pouch back from her hand.
But Xie Miao’er had no intention of letting him off so easily.
As if deliberately teasing him, just as his hand approached, she suddenly moved her hand behind her back, refusing to give it to him.
Since giving him the pouch, Xie Miao’er had never seen Lu Huaihai actually wear it. At his waist, there had always only been a simple jade pendant in an austere design.
Once given, the item was no longer hers to control. But since the pouch was something she had personally stitched with care, her first time ever gifting something to someone, seeing it set aside like that left her feeling inevitably a little disappointed.
If not for the pouch being left behind today, and her noticing the worn marks on its string, evidence that it was frequently used, this feeling of disappointment might have lingered indefinitely.
Lu Huaihai’s hand, frozen mid-air, came to a halt. He turned his head slightly to look at her, his expression somewhere between confusion and surprise.
In truth, upon brief reflection, he realized the petty resentment he had been harboring in the carriage earlier was completely unreasonable.
Of course, being young and proud as he was, he would absolutely never admit— even to himself— that he had, for some inexplicable reason, felt a twinge of jealousy.
Despite being unjustly blamed, she wasn’t angry in the slightest. Instead, she took the initiative to explain things to him patiently and kindly.
But he couldn’t soften his tone when speaking to her. The more awkward and guilty he felt, the colder his outward demeanor became. At most, when she dozed off, he would quietly inch closer to her and offer his shoulder for her to lean on.
When the carriage stopped, she opened her eyes. For just a brief, groggy moment, her gaze was hazy. Then, all at once, her eyes lit up, as if she had instantly seen through his futile façade.
Precisely because of this, Lu Huaihai had hurriedly slipped away, avoiding her gaze.
He hadn’t expected to stumble and leave the pouch behind, giving her an even clearer glimpse into his thoughts.
“What are you trying to do?” Lu Huaihai’s voice was slightly hoarse.
He knew very well that she was not someone easily deceived.
Xie Miao didn’t say anything; instead, she stepped closer to him.
Her sudden approach made Lu Huaihai instinctively take two steps back, trying to maintain some distance.
But Xie Miao’er wasn’t about to relent. She continued walking toward him and then directly bent down, tying the pouch back onto the leather belt at his waist.
As she tied it, she remarked, “It looks much better this way.”
Once finished, she clapped her hands together, looking quite pleased with herself. Her eyes roamed over Lu Huaihai from head to toe. Though the corners of her mouth were unmistakably tilted upward, she managed to put on a stern and intimidating demeanor. “Hmph. Just now, you stormed over to question me. Now, I’ve got something to ask you.”
“Why didn’t you wear the pouch properly? Do you think my handiwork isn’t good enough?”
Xie Miao’er, who had always been gentle and agreeable, was being uncharacteristically assertive, and it was indeed the first time Lu Huaihai had seen her like this.
Being confronted so directly about this matter, he felt a certain awkwardness that was hard to put into words. Yet, her demeanor was so irresistibly endearing that it made him completely forget his embarrassment over having his hidden thoughts exposed.
It reminded him of a time in his childhood when he had sneaked into the mountains to catch rabbits. Accidentally startling a squirrel storing food, he’d been pelted with leftover pine nut shells by the indignant creature from its tree hollow. Its stance back then was much like hers now.
“It’s not that,” he said. “Your embroidery is excellent.”
“Then, do you hate me?” Xie Miao’er pressed further.
“What made you ask such a question?” Lu Huaihai raised an eyebrow and looked at her.
Xie Miao’er, who was as tough as paper, lost her momentum after saying just a couple of stern words. She straightened up and replied earnestly, “If it’s not that you dislike it, then wear it. Seeing that my effort is cherished by you would make me happy. Since that’s the case, why not?”
Under the rules of propriety, being reserved and restrained was ingrained to the bone. Even between husband and wife, compliments rarely went beyond phrases like “holding the tray high with respect” or “harmony in music.” Anything more direct or passionate would be mocked as shameless.
Lu Huaihai, of course, had not crossed that line. He was even more reserved and restrained than most men his age, treating any emotional display as something embarrassing that should be carefully hidden.
But Xie Miao’er was different. If she cared about someone, she would let them know without hesitation.
With her parents, Grand Tutor Xie and Madam Xie, being deeply affectionate and facing the constant possibility of their daughter’s early demise, they would never have encouraged her to act reserved. Instead, they showered her with all the love they could, teaching her to cherish openly.
That was how her personality had been nurtured.
Hearing Xie Miao’er’s words, Lu Huaihai paused in thought for a long moment.
Finally, he said, “Alright.”
Only then did Xie Miao’er let the matter drop, walking side by side with him into the inn.
The slightly worn pouch swayed against Lu Huaihai’s robe, the faint bamboo patterns on it seeming to come alive, gently swaying in the wind with his steps.
Behind them, Bai Zhou, who was bitterly carrying their luggage, let out a long sigh as he watched them so openly enjoying each other’s company in front of the inn.
“Ah,” he groaned.
Coming along with Xie Miao’er was Yue Chuang, who, unbothered by the sight, said calmly, “This is nothing. You’ll see more of it later.”
With that, Yue Chuang quickened her steps to catch up with Xie Miao’er.
Inside the inn, most of the patrons were traveling merchants and peddlers. Xie Miao’er, finding it novel, couldn’t help but linger in the lobby, looking around with curiosity.
With her youthful appearance and eyes as bright as crystal stones, a few bold individuals thought to approach her, but they were stopped by their companions.
“Be careful. Look at the person standing beside her.”
The bold one glanced again and saw the striking young woman accompanied by a man with a cold and stern demeanor. His features were sharp and bright like cold stars, and he carried a long sword on his back. His imposing aura made it easy to distinguish him from the merchants around them.
Lu Huaihai, sensing the unfriendly gazes, said nothing. He simply placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
The would-be troublemakers, seeing this, quickly scattered and fled.
Xie Miao’er, oblivious to the undercurrents, only noticed that Lu Huaihai seemed to have suddenly turned cold and aloof. She found it a bit strange.
“Let’s go upstairs,” Lu Huaihai said.
The innkeeper eagerly led the way, guiding them to their room to rest.
Just then, the stairs creaked loudly as two burly men wearing veiled hats brushed past them.
Lu Huaihai casually turned his head and glanced at the backs of the two men, his gaze lingering for an extra moment.
Xie Miao’er whispered, “What’s wrong?”
Lu Huaihai withdrew his gaze, his expression unchanged, though his eyes seemed slightly darker than before. “It’s nothing.”
But their footsteps were peculiar.
“They don’t look like Central Plains people.”
If his memory served him correctly, the two samurai he had seen in Ninghai before were of the same lineage.
The innkeeper led them to their room. “This way, please. These are your two rooms.”
Staying overnight somewhere other than home was a novel experience for Xie Miao’er. She entered her room with Yue Chuang, and after about half an incense stick’s time, there was a knock at the door.
Seeing it was Lu Huaihai, Xie Miao’er walked over and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Lu Huaihai extended his hand, gesturing for her to take what was in his palm.
Surprised, Xie Miao’er accepted the item. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a jade whistle tied with a red cord.
It wasn’t anything particularly exquisite—clearly something newly bought. Unsure of his intention, Xie Miao’er asked, “Shaoye, what does this mean?”
“In case of danger, so I’ll know,” Lu Huaihai replied.
Xie Miao’er suddenly understood. “Ah, like smashing a cup as a signal.”
It wasn’t entirely incorrect. Lu Huaihai shrugged and reminded her, “Wear it.”
Xie Miao’er obediently lowered her head and slipped the red cord around her neck.
Such a gesture was, in truth, meant to reassure Lu Huaihai himself. Only after seeing her tuck the whistle inside her clothing did he leave.
The appearance of the two samurai had heightened Lu Huaihai’s vigilance.
But perhaps he was being overly cautious. By the next morning, as they set out again, nothing suspicious had occurred.
After several days of hurried travel, they finally reached Hangzhou.
The city guards checked their travel permits before allowing them entry.
Once inside, the carriage moved at a leisurely pace. Xie Miao’er leaned against the carriage window, her eyes wide open, as if trying to engrave every sight into her memory.
—“Misty willows and painted bridges, flowing curtains of jade-green, and ten thousand households scattered here and there.”
Xie Miao’er couldn’t help but regret that it wasn’t yet the season when mist would shroud the waters, or when willows were green and peach blossoms in full bloom.
For Lu Huaihai, who had been here before, the scenery wasn’t new. Watching her enjoy the view, however, was far more interesting.
He lightly rubbed his thumb against the base of his palm and said, “We can stay for a couple more days and take a walk around.”
Xie Miao’er was thrilled but tried to maintain her composure. She coughed lightly and said, reservedly, “Taking care of your business is the most important thing. You can go ahead with your errands.”
As she spoke, however, her eager eyes betrayed her true feelings.
Lu Huaihai chuckled softly and said, “There’s no need to look at me like that. Have I ever broken a promise to you?”
—
With the document from Taizhou Guard confirming his “proficiency in archery and horseback riding,” Lu Huaihai registered at the provincial administration office. After a few days, he would be able to collect a limited-time travel permit, known as a Hualan Ticket.
Collecting this ticket required proof of identity, and its use had a strict deadline. It wasn’t a document that could be casually obtained and then used years later for travel to the capital; one had to report to the Commander Office within the specified period, or it would expire without renewal.
With the few free days they had, Lu Huaihai and Xie Miao’er didn’t sit idle. They even rented a small boat, hired a local boatman, and took a tour around West Lake.
Although it was just the beginning of spring, and there were no lotus flowers blooming in the sunlight or warm breezes intoxicating tourists, the lake’s beauty was captivating in its own right.
A misty haze lingered over the rippling water, where flocks of waterbirds skimmed across the surface, darting through the fog. Their movements sent ripples spreading outward, reflecting the soft light of dawn, creating a serene and breathtaking scene.
Beautiful as it was, Xie Miao’er discovered a fatal flaw while on the swaying boat:
Not only did she get carsick, but she also got seasick.
Her longing for the scenic beauty kept her going for the entire boat trip, but once she disembarked—even with Lu Huaihai supporting her—her legs trembled uncontrollably. If she had eaten anything that morning, she likely would have thrown it up by now.
Lu Huaihai lightly patted her back to help her catch her breath. “Still want to go?”
He wasn’t just referring to their current outing but to the journey to the capital.
To get to the capital, they would need to travel by boat along the Grand Canal. Compared to the wind and waves of the lake, the turbulence of real rivers and waterways would be much worse.
Xie Miao’er straightened up against the tree trunk, her resolve unwavering. “I’ll go.”
She had too many reasons to go.
She wanted to accompany him. She had to deliver the fabrics to the capital with the merchants. She also wanted to see what the place she lived in years ago looked like now.
Xie Miao’er, already petite and slender, looked even more frail with her pale complexion. It would melt even the hardest of hearts. Lu Huaihai was no exception.
But while he felt a deep sense of pity, he did not force her to stay behind.
He knew that just as he was persistent about certain things, so was she.
To protect her by forbidding her to take risks? Such a restrictive mindset was something he despised deeply and refused to impose on her.
Instead, Lu Huaihai simply said, “Then we’ll go to a clinic to get some motion sickness medicine. It might help.”
There was always a solution to every problem.
When the two of them returned to the inn carrying several packs of medicine, they saw Cheng Yuandao and his men at the inn’s entrance, carefully checking the fabrics loaded onto carts. This was the agreed meeting point.
Xie Miao’er walked over to greet him. “Uncle Cheng.”
Cheng Yuandao responded, “Little Proprietress, you should personally check the accounts again to be sure.”
Xie Miao’er then asked, “Where is the merchant surnamed Zhou?”
Cheng Yuandao replied, “He caught a cold on the road and went to buy medicine. He’ll be back soon.”
Holding the ledger, Xie Miao’er began verifying the goods, inspecting them bolt by bolt.
The Zhou merchant’s carriage was parked nearby. As Xie Miao’er walked past it, a figure suddenly stumbled out of the carriage and lunged toward her without warning.
“Watch out—”
Hearing the startled cries of those nearby, Xie Miao’er instinctively turned around, only to be caught completely off guard as the person crashed into her, knocking her off balance and straight into their arms.