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Last night, a light rain had fallen, making the morning air incredibly fresh, and the damp blue stone path in the courtyard confirmed this occurrence. As for when the rain started and when it stopped, those who had been busy until late at night were unaware.
Gently pushing open a window, a warm breeze filled with the rich scent of spring rushed in. Flowers had bloomed in every little corner. Dressed neatly, Luzi gazed at the greenery outside, but his thoughts drifted to the small Stone House on the mountaintop. It was once home to two carefree young people who looked out at the vast world beyond.
The expansive land seen from above made one’s heart feel equally broad. Yet what he saw at that moment was merely the greenery within the walls, as if his heart were imprisoned inside and could never escape. Who had built these walls that isolated him from the world, or was it his own choice to lock his heart away?
Hearing familiar footsteps in the courtyard, Luzi decided to step out of the city to release his feelings. If one’s heart was locked away by prosperity and it became a habit, regaining the feeling of freedom would be difficult. Resolute, Luzi told Xiao Yu'er, who had just entered the house, that he would sneak out for breakfast.
As for whom to invite along, it was best not to call anyone at all!
If this had happened before, Xiao Yu'er would have readily agreed and fully supported him. But now she understood that Outside was too dangerous, especially with the high-and-mighty Lu the Shopkeeper being sought after by many bad people. How could they manage without extra hands?
When Xiao Yu'er suggested bringing more people along, Luzi chuckled and shook his head dismissively. In his memory, Xiao Yu'er had never been as hesitant as she was today. "What!? The fearless heroine has learned to worry now!?"
Of course, Xiao Yu'er would not admit to this and simply stated that there was nothing she feared in her life. "Fine! What’s the big deal!? Then it’ll just be the two of us going out!"
Luzi had only been joking, but seeing someone take it seriously made him say no more. He told Xiao Yu'er he would wait for her at the back door and now needed to go change into men's clothing.
Since Kong Liang learned that Wei Guo Gongzi Wu Ji was also in Linzi, he raised the security level to first-class status. At this moment near the back door, two guards were stationed. Seeing the Big Shopkeeper come out, the Shop Assistant quickly opened the wooden door and stood respectfully on either side.
Since he still needed to wait for Xiao Yu'er, Luzi did not leave immediately. Instead, he chatted idly with the two brothers guarding the back door. Just as they were enjoying their conversation, a remarkably charming young man ran out.
The quality of charm is not something that can be feigned; at this moment, this statement was thoroughly validated. Especially that kind of charm accentuated by cultural depth made those who saw him feel entranced.
Reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles!
Since Xiao Yu'er followed Luzi on various journeys, she has taken to casually holding a Bamboo Slip to study. She is not doing this to increase her knowledge but rather to understand the language when Luzi communicates with others.
As beautiful poems and songs are memorized, she finds herself able to express them effortlessly! With a knowledgeable teacher by her side constantly imparting wisdom, her aura gradually develops.
If Chuchu's aura is innate, then Xiao Yu'er's aura is cultivated. This kind of aura often emanates from the heart; it cannot be feigned.
Luzi rarely scrutinizes people and thus did not notice whether the flowers around him had matured. However, upon seeing Xiao Yu'er dressed as a boy, he couldn't help but take a second glance. When he noticed her enchanting aura, he immediately understood that the beautiful flower had already bloomed.
As Xiao Yu'er reached the door, she was unaware of what Luzi was admiring. Seeing someone in a daze, she thought there might be something wrong with her clothes. She hurriedly looked down to check but found nothing amiss.
Luzi, quite satisfied, did not mention anything about the aura to anyone; he never would. Seeing Xiao Yu'er looking down and searching for something, he realized that this young beauty did not understand what temperament was. In truth, it didn't matter; even if the flower was unaware of its beauty, it would still shine.
"Let's go!"
Not wanting to wait any longer, Luzi called for Xiao Yu'er to step outside. Before leaving, he instructed the Shop Assistant not to mention his outing to anyone. If questioned by anyone, just say it was Big Shopkeeper's order not to disclose! Moreover, no one was allowed to follow or protect him; this was a command! As for why, you understand!
Even though Xiao Yu'er was dressed as a boy, she did not disguise herself. The Shop Assistants in the inn were all familiar with her true identity as a girl. Seeing Big Shopkeeper act so mysteriously, they quickly understood. They watched as the older brother and young beauty exited the Alley before returning to close the back door again.
Xiao Yu'er was also perceptive; she knew that Luzi never took money when going out. Realizing they would need breakfast after sneaking out, she made sure to bring enough funds before leaving. She didn't count how much she had brought but figured it should be sufficient for their travels if used sparingly.
Sure enough, after eating his fill, Luzi realized he hadn’t brought any money. Just as he thought about finding something to use as collateral, he discovered that Xiao Yu'er had already settled the bill. He quickly stated that all expenses from this outing would be noted down and that he would reimburse her later in the afternoon when they returned.
It doesn't matter whether the expenses will be reimbursed or not; what Xiao Yu'er is most concerned about at this moment is the excuse for returning in the afternoon. "Innkeeper! Since we've eaten enough, shall we head back now?"
Luzi, who had already made up his mind to leave the city, naturally disagreed and said quietly, "Let's hire some horses to go out of the city for a bit, and we'll be back in the afternoon!"
Upon hearing that they would be leaving the city, Xiao Yu'er was about to get excited but managed to hold it back. Sneaking out to eat was already a mistake; how could they possibly go out of the city? Just as she was about to express her opposition to this suggestion, she noticed Luzi getting up and walking outside.
At that time, horses were considered military resources by various Feudal States, and only the state and military could use them. Additionally, commoners could not afford to keep horses at home, so there were no horses available for hire among civilians.
The military's warhorses were already in short supply for external battles; how could they possibly allow horses to circulate in the market? However, there are always exceptions. Not being able to afford a horse does not mean that no one is allowed to ride one.
Qi State had not seen any military conflict for many years, so the authorities agreed to let some retired horses be scattered among the populace. Private stables soon appeared, providing an opportunity for those who wanted to ride but could not afford to keep a horse. As long as you were willing to spend money, renting two horses was no problem at all.
Delighted, Luzi did not expect that the horses available for rent were not exactly in their prime, but he managed to pick out two from among them. Fortunately, these horses were all retired from the army and had no issues with basic commands.
Having something is better than having nothing! Content with his choice, Luzi left a sufficient deposit with the merchant before mounting up with Xiao Yu'er and heading out of the city...
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