11.5 – There is another story set in this world

translator: xiin

editors: alamerysl, BlueBug & Macabre d1qmVX

“Brother guard, as you can see, I am not a dangerous person. It's just that I got sick due to the long road we've travelled, and elder brother Mu was worried about me getting a chill from the wind, so he wouldn't let me come out." When his expression was gentle, it made others' hearts turn soft. Even pa.s.sersby who were not involved in their discussion could not bear to say anything harsh to him when they saw him, so the guard at the door nodded and waved them on their way.

It wasn't until the carriage curtain had lowered, the carriage wheels turning as the sound of hoofs. .h.i.tting the ground gradually faded away, that Ying Sheng finally pulled himself together, a vibrant red flush spreading across his cheeks. It seemed as though his heart wanted to fly out of his chest.

His agitated horse gave a loud snort as its front hooves struck against the ground, hoping its master would snap out of his daze. Instead, its master stroked its mane with his big hands.

Ying Sheng urged the horse forward with his legs, and it charged forward as though it had never been allowed to run before, rus.h.i.+ng headlong out of the city gates. The guards looked at each other, and finally chose to remain at their posts as though they had seen nothing. TB7zvm

The guards had noticed Ying Sheng's figure when he stopped at the gates for a while, but they hadn't dared to disturb him.

Shu Heng had arrived at the city much earlier than Xue Ling and Mu Ge, and already made all the necessary arrangements. Mu Ge drove the carriage into the city and brought them to an inn before Xue Ling in a guest room. The courtyard Shu Heng had found still needed to be cleaned. Because they had been in a hurry, he had not been too picky and selected the first one that was decent and purchased it in Xue Ling's name.

Before they left the Capital, Shu Heng had acquired ident.i.ty tokens for the three of them at Xue Ling's request. They made it easier for them to travel through Xue Kingdom without arousing suspicion.

“Master, I've already found several people to clean up the cottage. Although it's a bit worn down, after it's been cleaned out, it should be all right for us to wait out the year there. I will go out with Mu Ge to purchase some necessities so that Master can settle in comfortably." Shu Heng was so busy, he was turning around in circles, but he still remained very respectful towards Xue Ling. tbgpx5

Xue Ling took off his hat, opened the window in the guest room, and leaned out. He noticed that the window was facing the backyard of the inn, and a plum blossom tree had been planted. The tree was in bloom, and the petals leisurely drifted to the ground. "Shu Heng, you don't need to be so respectful when addressing me. I am now a child from a poor family. It's enough to address me as gongzi - you don't need to call me Master."

“Yes, gongzi.” Shu Heng closed the window and frowned, “Gongzi has not yet recovered properly from his illness, it's best not to get a chill from the wind."

“I'm not some easily-broken porcelain doll.” Xue Ling took off his cloak and lightly patted his own face. "We don't have much time for rest and recuperation. Mu Ge, go out and inquire about how the Zhennan Prince has set up the hierarchy here. It would be best if you can provide specific details, like who his people are and who he is close to so I know whom to approach."