Chapter 476 - 476. Sudden Situation

Chapter 476: Chapter 476. Sudden Situation

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Let’s hurry. The sooner we leave, the sooner we’ll get there.”

Qin Tie said, locking his door behind him and taking a stance that signaled his eagerness to get going.

“We should eat breakfast first. The journey can be tough; you might not handle it well on an empty stomach.”

Xiao Zeyu was less hurried than Qin Tie. He wanted to have a proper meal before they set off.

“Fine, fine!”

Though visibly impatient, Qin Tie had to comply with Xiao Zeyu’s request. This material is rooted in n0velbin★

Xiao Zeyu instructed the innkeeper to bring a steamer filled with steamed buns. In addition to their breakfast, he wanted to pack some for the road.

Steamed buns and dried meat were ideal travel foods. The buns could be warmed up by placing them over a fire on a tree branch, while the dried meat was good for quick energy and sustenance.

Su Qing had switched back to men’s attire. His expression remained consistent with the day before. Upon seeing Qin Tie, his eyes briefly lingered on his face before moving away.

When Qin Tie saw Su Qing, his demeanor was also quite cold. He glanced at her once before averting his gaze as if disdaining to acknowledge her further. Xiao Zeyu observed all of this, finding Qin Tie’s arrogance in line with what his uncle’s master had described.

The group descended to the dining area for breakfast. The courier station’s food was mediocre at best. Su Qing took a steamed bun, used it to grab a piece of donkey meat slathered in sauce, and then added some vegetables to create a makeshift sandwich.

On the other hand, Qin Tie stuck solely to the steamed buns and ignored the other dishes on the table. Su Qing noticed this.

“Little Seven, check the food.”

Naturally, the task fell to the ever-capable Little Seven, who was always eager to assist her master. She immediately tested the food that Su Qing had given her.

“Master, the food is not poisoned.”

“His legs and hands were rendered useless by enemies who cut his tendons, and they also severed his tongue. Poor uncle, already advanced in age and yet still subjected to such cruelty. His spirit is quite disturbed. We’re taking him along, hoping to find a skilled physician who might heal him.”

Xiao Zeyu’s face was a portrait of sorrow, sticking to the same story he had spun the day before. Ghostmother’s eyes flared with fury, glaring venomously at him as if she wanted to devour him on the spot.

“Such treatment sounds costly and uncertain,” the soldier remarked, observing Ghostmother’s unsettling appearance. “You might want to consider if it’s worth the expense.”

Xiao Zeyu nodded thoughtfully, showing gratitude for the soldier’s well-intentioned advice.

“I can’t just turn my back on family,” Xiao Zeyu said earnestly, his voice full of warmth and principle. His commitment to his ‘uncle’ impressed the official.

“Very well, let’s retire to our rooms.”

Given they could not leave, everyone finished their meal and returned to their quarters. Qin Tie was visibly anxious and irritable, contrasting sharply with Su Qing and Xiao Zeyu’s collected demeanor. This difference in attitude clearly annoyed Qin Tie, who turned to Xiao Zeyu and questioned, “Aren’t you going to figure something out?”

“I’m at a loss. Perhaps Godfather Qin has some suggestions? If so, do share,” Xiao Zeyu responded, shrugging his shoulders and warning Qin Tie.

“I need some fresh air,” declared Qin Tie, hastily standing to leave the relay station. Xiao Zeyu followed suit, rising from his seat and exiting.

Meanwhile, Su Qing polished off the remaining half of his sandwich and ascended to his room—only to swiftly exit through the upstairs window to tail Qin Tie from a safe distance. He observed Qin Tie making a beeline for the government office but couldn’t follow him inside due to the heavy guard’s presence. Opting to wait, his patience paid off an hour later when he saw Qin Tie emerge hurriedly and head back to the relay station.

Slipping back into his room through the window, Su Qing was greeted by Xiao Zeyu’s questioning glance. The pair had an unspoken understanding; words were often unnecessary.

“He visited the government office,” Su Qing reported a crease forming on his forehead. “It makes me wonder: could Qin Tie be a government plant?”

While engrossed in their discussion, a knock at the door interrupted Su Qing and Xiao Zeyu. Xiao Zeyu went to answer it, revealing an impatient Qin Tie standing in the doorway.

“Has Godfather Qin found a solution?” Xiao Zeyu inquired quickly.

“I spoke with the Zhizhou of the City of Brisk; he’s a distant relative. He’s permitted us to leave,” Qin Tie explained.

Xiao Zeyu nodded, recognizing that this account aligned with Su Qing’s observations. If Qin Tie had managed to secure a pass, staying any longer in the City of Brisk would be a needless risk. He instructed the bodyguards, posing as escorts, to carry Ghostmother out and prepare the carriage. He and Su Qing then took their positions at the entrance of the relay station to await their departure.

Catching sight of Ghostmother being carried out, Qin Tie’s eyes flickered disdainfully.. Pointing at her, he turned to Xiao Zeyu and questioned, “Do we have to bring her along?”