Chapter 2: Casual Probing

Qin Jinghao maintained his usual casual tone as he explained, “Just now, I noticed the knot tied at Brother Luo’s waist. In the customs of Western Qin, those who wear waist ornaments usually choose broad jade pendants.” He paused, then glanced at Luo Yunyao, as if not wanting to miss a trace of expression on her face. “From what I recall, people from the Biluo Kingdom prefer hanging knots at their waists. If I’m correct, Brother Luo should be from Biluo, right?”

After hearing his words, Cang Shu quickly looked at Luo Yunyao’s waist ornament. Indeed, it was a blue knot. He asked uncertainly, “Brother Luo, are you really from Biluo?”

Admiring his sharp observation, Luo Yunyao’s heart sank. Though she could mask it with words, she hadn’t expected to reveal her identity through such a subtle detail. Thinking it over carefully, she met Qin Jinghao’s gaze calmly and said frankly, “Yes, I am from Biluo.”

At their surprise at her straightforward answer, she smiled gently at Qin Jinghao and said, “Brother Qin, your eyesight is truly remarkable!”

“You flatter me!” he replied.

Seeing his waist ornament and his poised manner of speaking had sparked Qin Jinghao’s curiosity. After all, the Biluo Kingdom had recently been defeated in war. Encountering a Biluo native outside the capital naturally aroused his suspicion. His mention of her homeland was merely a test to see how Brother Luo would react if exposed.

However, her response somewhat exceeded his expectations.

“Sigh…” Luo Yunyao sighed deeply, steadying her expression with calm waves, adopting a tone full of regret. “The Biluo Kingdom is troubled both internally and externally. The regime is unstable. We scholars have no choice but to come to Western Qin, seeking a chance to make a difference.”

Her words carried an unspoken bitterness and hardship. She sounded exactly like a scholar disillusioned with Biluo’s political prospects—ambitious in heart but with no avenue to serve her country. This was the greatest sorrow for any scholar.

Seeing that Qin Jinghao had touched on a sensitive subject, Cang Shu slapped her shoulder heartily in reassurance. “Brother Luo, don’t worry. Western Qin has always welcomed talent. With your abilities, making a name for yourself won’t be difficult. And if not, there’s always our Great Qin…”

“Looks like Cang Mu is quite capable? I thought you only knew how to be pushed into marriage, never imagined you had other talents,” Qin Jinghao interrupted lightly, giving a subtle glance that stopped Cang Shu from revealing too much about their true identities.

Realizing his near slip, Cang Shu snapped awake and, annoyed at Qin Jinghao for exposing their secrets in front of new acquaintances, shot him a fierce glare.

From their exchange, Luo Yunyao guessed that the two were probably noble youths traveling incognito. Not wanting to reveal her identity, she merely smiled faintly and stayed silent.

During the ensuing conversation, fearing she might say too much, Luo Yunyao spoke little. Cang Shu, in a good mood from meeting a new friend, chattered cheerfully. Qin Jinghao only spoke sparingly at key moments. The three got along quite well.

As the sun gradually dipped behind the western hills, the fading light cast amber shadows of the trees into the room, bathing their corner in a soft, warm glow.

Their conversation was nearing its end when Qin Jinghao asked Luo Yunyao, “Brother Luo, do you know anyone familiar in the capital?”

To enter officialdom, there were two paths: one was to have someone recommend you. But for someone like Luo Yunyao, newly arrived in Western Qin, it was unlikely she knew any high-ranking nobles. The other was to pass the imperial exams, placing among the top three, earning a seat in the court.

Either way, the capital was an unavoidable destination, which explained Qin Jinghao’s question.

“No one. I am a wanderer of the mountains and fields. Going to the capital is just changing one place for another,” Luo Yunyao replied with a mock smile, her eyes reflecting a resolute detachment, almost that of a sage beyond the world.

“Brother Luo has great composure,” Qin Jinghao said with a smile, his eyes flicking toward Cang Shu for a subtle nod.

Cang Shu, expecting this, happily produced a fine folding Yun fan from his sleeve and handed it to Luo Yunyao. “Take this fan. When you arrive in the capital and want to find me, go to the largest residence on South Market Street and show the fan to the gatekeeper.”

“No, no need,” Luo Yunyao politely declined.

“Brother Luo, keep it. Though Cang Mu’s fan isn’t much, it’s coated with a layer of medicinal herbs. It’s quite effective against mosquitoes and insects,” Qin Jinghao coaxed gently. Reluctantly, Luo Yunyao accepted the fan and thanked them again.

At that moment, the sound of carriage wheels echoed outside.

Soon, a radiant young woman dressed in elaborate pale yellow robes entered the inn. Though beautiful, she frowned upon seeing the modest establishment, her brows knitting deeply. She arrogantly surveyed the room, then her gaze settled on Luo Yunyao’s corner. Her expression softened with affection as she approached gracefully.

All eyes turned to the yellow-clad maiden, so no one noticed the fleeting displeasure in Qin Jinghao’s usually calm eyes, replaced only by a faint furrow of his brow.

“Brother Qin, Xi’er has been looking for you for a long time. At last, I have found you,” said Yue Liuxi, stepping forward, her gaze fixed tightly on Qin Jinghao. Her affectionate look caused many around to feel heartbroken. Yet just as all those admiring eyes shattered, an untimely sneeze interrupted.

“A-Qiu… A-Qiu…”

The strong scent of perfume wafting from the young beauty triggered Luo Yunyao’s sensitive nose. From childhood, she could not bear overwhelming fragrances, and one sneeze followed another.

This was a grave offense to a certain young lady. Yue Liuxi was a noble princess of foreign lineage, born into a prestigious family with generations of merit. Deeply favored by the emperor, even the less favored princes and grandsons flattered her, let alone a rustic mountain folk.

Moreover, the well-known rumor that General Qin Jinghao favored men made the company of this country bumpkin alongside Qin even more unbearable for Yue Liuxi.

With narrowed eyes, Yue Liuxi looked at the calm Qin Jinghao, her anger simmering, but she dared not openly confront him. Instead, she turned her mocking gaze to Luo Yunyao. “This young man’s manners are hardly befitting for a grand occasion!”

Luo Yunyao rubbed her nose, stood, and, still itching, stepped back. Bowing politely, she apologized, “I’m sorry, Miss. I have been allergic to strong fragrances since childhood. Please forgive me.”

What should have been a simple statement sounded like mockery in Yue Liuxi’s ears. She thought Luo Yunyao was ridiculing the heavy makeup and perfume she wore.

Besides, Luo Yunyao had deliberately stepped back, making her feel humiliated. Which noble in the capital wouldn’t want to be close to her, to flatter her? Her standing next to this rustic fellow was only because of Qin Jinghao’s presence. Yue Liuxi’s beautiful brows furrowed deeper.

But then she glanced at Qin Jinghao, and her brow knitted even tighter. Since this person could sit with Brother Qin, might they have some relationship? With this thought, her gaze toward Luo Yunyao turned sharp and hostile. “Whatever your reasons, how dare you—”

“Miss Yue, please have some tea and calm down,” Cang Shu interrupted hastily, seeing that the princess was about to expose their identities. Though he disliked her temperament, even Qin Jinghao had to consider her background. So Cang Shu had to show some respect.

He gave Yue Liuxi a subtle warning glance and whispered that he and Qin Jinghao were traveling incognito. They must not reveal their true identities, then led her to sit beside Qin Jinghao.

Only then did Yue Liuxi realize and shyly glance at Qin Jinghao, understanding that revealing herself could upset him. She gave Luo Yunyao a venomous glare before calming down and turning back to Qin Jinghao with a gentle demeanor. “Brother Qin, I heard you were hunting in the outskirts. Xi’er loves hunting. I hope you don’t mind me following you?”

“Not at all,” Qin Jinghao replied coldly, sipping tea, clearly unwilling to engage further.

Turning his attention to Luo Yunyao standing nearby, Qin Jinghao’s expression softened with concern. Since Yue Liuxi had come with them and treated Luo Yunyao poorly, they felt somewhat responsible. “Brother Luo, your nose seems uncomfortable. Do you need a doctor?”

“No, it’s just the strong scent. Thank you for your concern, Brother Qin,” Luo Yunyao shook her head. Seeing the perfumed beauty already seated, whom she never liked, she had lost the will to stay. Without taking a seat herself, she bowed to both men and excused herself. “The night is late, Brother Qin, Brother Cang. I shall take my leave.”

Her departure prompted Qin Jinghao to rise. His brow furrowed slightly as he glanced at Yue Liuxi. His voice carried a hint of care, “Brother Luo, since it’s late, why not rest here for the night and set off tomorrow? It might be hard to find lodging at this hour.”