After traveling on foot for over two weeks, our supplies finally ran out. We'd rationed carefully, stretching every grain and herb, but even the most cautious planning couldn't conjure food from nothing. Reluctantly, we agreed to take the risk and head to the nearest town to restock.
The road we followed was narrow, with tall grass and uneven stones that made the journey slower than I preferred. Clouds had gathered overhead, casting the path in shifting light and shadow. Just ahead, the road bent sharply around a cluster of wind-worn boulders, and as we turned the corner, the steady creak of wheels and clatter of hooves broke the quiet.
A small caravan appeared in the distance. Three wagons—modest but sturdy—were moving at a leisurely pace, accompanied by a handful of guards, though none looked particularly skilled. At the front of the procession, a richly lacquered carriage stood out. As it drew near, the driver raised his hand, signaling a halt.
The curtain was drawn aside, and a middle-aged man stepped out. His robes were well-kept but practical, dyed in warm earth tones, with a belt heavy with rings and scrolls. He wore a wide smile beneath a trimmed beard, his eyes sharp with the keen awareness of a seasoned merchant.
"Greetings, gentlemen," he said, folding his hands politely before us. "My name is Su Mingzhi. We're merchants from the capital, traveling to Yueping Town to deliver supplies for their upcoming festival."
I cupped my hands and offered a respectful nod. "It's good to meet you. I am Luo Fan, and this is Lan Feng."
Su Mingzhi's eyes flicked to Lan Feng briefly, his smile never faltering. "Do you happen to be cultivators, by any chance?"
I nodded once, cautiously. Lan Feng remained silent but alert, his gaze scanning the wagons as if instinctively assessing for danger.
The merchant brightened. "How fortunate! We lost our escorts just yesterday. Bandits attacked us near the river crossing, and our guards told us to flee ahead while they stayed behind to hold them off. We waited, hoping they'd catch up, but… it's been a day and a night. I fear they won't be returning."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said, my tone genuine. "That's unfortunate news."
He waved a hand with a weary chuckle. "Such is the road life. But that brings me to my humble request—if you're heading the same way, perhaps you'd consider accompanying us. We can offer generous compensation in exchange for protection."
I sighed inwardly. It wasn't the first time someone had tried to recruit us mid-journey, and I suspected it wouldn't be the last. "As much as I would like to help, we're on a mission of our own. Time is not a luxury we can afford."
"I understand," Su Mingzhi said, though disappointment softened his voice. "If I may offer a small compromise—why don't we simply travel together? I have room in the carriage for two. I'll drop you at your destination, no charge. It would give us some peace of mind, at least."
Lan Feng shifted subtly beside me, silently awaiting my decision.
I bowed again, lowering my voice respectfully. "We appreciate the offer, but I must decline. Our destination is close, and we would not want to slow your journey with detours."
The merchant's smile faded briefly, but he didn't press further. Instead, he clasped his hands in a deep bow. "In that case, I wish you safe travels. May the wind favor your steps."
"And yours," I replied.
We stepped aside to let the caravan pass. The wheels rolled slowly over the stones, and we stood there in silence, watching them continue down the road, the creaking of the wagons gradually fading into the distance.
As soon as the sound of creaking wheels and clopping hooves faded into the distance, Lan Feng turned to me, his expression puzzled.
"Gege, didn't you say it would take us two more days to reach the nearest town?" he asked, brows slightly raised. "Why did you tell the merchant that our destination was nearby?"
I let out a quiet sigh, brushing a stray leaf from my sleeve. "Because we can't afford to mingle with others right now. All it takes is one sharp eye, one wrong word—and someone might recognize us. It's safer this way."
He blinked, then gave me a grin so wide I knew trouble was coming. "That's simple, Gege. You should just dress as a woman. No one would ever recognize you."
I gave him a flat look. "Too late for that. They've already seen me. And besides…" I gestured vaguely to my height, "I'm too tall. No one would believe it."
"There are plenty of tall women in Hanyue," he said matter-of-factly. "My aunt is probably even taller than you. And she's the most graceful woman in our family."
I shook my head with an amused huff. "Your aunt must be a formidable woman, then. But I'm not crossdressing just to confuse a few merchants."
"You wouldn't need to confuse them," he added, voice overly cheerful. "You'd make a very pretty woman. I bet if you tied your hair up with some flowers and put on one of those sheer robes, people would be lining up to propose."
I turned to him slowly, narrowing my eyes. "Are you enjoying this too much?"
He tried—and failed—to hide a mischievous smile.
Before he could add another outrageous suggestion, I reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Enough. Let's just go," I muttered, tugging him along with me down the road.
But as we walked, he continued to chatter beside me, his voice light and teasing, throwing out ideas for disguises ranging from flower vendor to wandering opera singer. I did my best to ignore him, but his laughter kept drawing faint smiles from me, no matter how much I tried to suppress them.
By midday, the sun had risen high, its heat bearing down on us as we followed the winding road. When we spotted a tea house nestled beneath the shade of several tall trees, the sight was too tempting to resist. We decided to stop for a cup of tea—and, if fortune allowed, a hot meal.
The tea shop was humble but lively, its shaded courtyard bustling with travelers. To our surprise, most of the tables were already occupied, and many of them by merchants. Among them sat a familiar figure in fine robes, sipping leisurely from a porcelain cup.
"Luo Fan, Lan Feng!" The man stood and approached us with an amiable smile. "What a surprise to see you here. It must be fate that our paths cross again."
Su Mingzhi.
I exhaled slowly, sensing immediately that this was no coincidence. I had no doubt he'd intentionally directed his entire caravan to stop here, anticipating we'd pass through before long.
Without waiting for a reply, he gestured toward a table shaded by hanging vines and motioned for the shopkeeper. "Please, come. Sit. The food and tea are on me. You must be weary."
I exchanged a glance with Lan Feng, then nodded politely. "Thank you."
We sat down, and he ordered generously—steamed dumplings, wild mushroom soup, pickled vegetables, and chilled lotus tea. His tone at first was light and pleasant, filled with the usual small talk: How was the road? Did we sleep well last night? Any trouble along the way?
But the moment the dishes arrived and the first cup of tea was poured, his demeanor shifted.
"To be honest, Priest Luo," he began, voice low and thoughtful, "my people are on edge. The attack on our former escorts shook them badly. They're restless. Some are even talking about turning back."
I sipped my tea in silence, already sensing where this was going.
He gave a rueful chuckle. "But going back is as dangerous as going forward. And the road ahead… it's the most perilous stretch. We could lose everything if we proceed unprotected."
I set my cup down gently. "The town of Yueping is at least a week away. We can't afford such a delay. We're only heading as far as Feishui Town."
"Feishui!" His eyes lit up, as though I'd unknowingly given him a lifeline. "That's good enough for us. We just need to get past the next few valleys. If we make it to Feishui, I'm sure we can find someone to escort us the rest of the way to Yueping."
I let out a tired sigh but said nothing.
He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Please, Priest Luo. I am begging you. Even if you refuse, I'll tell my entire caravan to trail after you. Even if we have to crawl, we'll follow. But if you agree to escort us—even just to Feishui—we can match your pace. You'll reach your destination in a day instead of two."
I studied him carefully. There was desperation in his tone, yes—but also calculation. He knew how to strike at the conscience, how to phrase things in just the right way. He was a merchant, after all.
Still, it was hard to fault him. I could sense how anxious his people were. They weren't warriors, and if bandits struck again, they wouldn't stand a chance.
"I'm not sure I can protect all of you," I said honestly. "There are too many of you, too many carts and valuables. And Lan Feng…" I glanced at him. "He's only at the first level of cultivation. I can't put his life at risk."
Su Mingzhi nodded solemnly, his face earnest. "I understand your concern. But Lan Feng doesn't have to be in the fray. My wife's carriage is the safest one we have. Reinforced, locked from the inside. If anything happens, he'll be protected."
I looked at Lan Feng, who seemed completely at ease, nibbling on a dumpling and sipping his tea as though none of this concerned him.
"I'll think about it," I said finally, my voice calm but noncommittal.
Su Mingzhi's shoulders eased, and he smiled as if I'd just agreed to escort him all the way to Yueping. "That's all I ask. Thank you, Priest Luo. Please, eat well. Don't worry about the bill—this meal is my way of expressing gratitude."
I nodded once and picked up my teacup again, though my appetite had dulled beneath the weight of a decision I knew I'd eventually have to make.