At this moment, a hospitable man stepped forward to strike up a conversation.
Unexpectedly, the man who approached was not the most beautiful Nian Jiaojiao.
One had to know that although Nian Jiaojiao was now disguised as Qiu Yu, Qiu Yu’s looks were top-notch among the younger generation of the Qiu family.
"Miss, is this your first time in Shazhou? Do you need me to show you around?"
The man had tanned skin and narrow eyes, possessing a wild, exotic beauty.
He approached Qiu Shu, the patriarch of the Qiu family, his eyes unable to hide his admiration.
Shazhou had a fierce local custom, and compared to scholarly women, rugged and robust women were clearly more popular.
Although Qiu Shu’s name contained the character “Shu” (meaning book), she was not at all delicate like a scholar.
Even though she was a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination), she lacked talent in cultivation. Thus, she peacefully remained in the secular world as the family patriarch.
Having become the patriarch and gained resources, Qiu Shu then shifted her path to martial arts.
Therefore, even though she was now middle-aged, she possessed a broad chest and strong arms.
It was no wonder that among the four women, the men of Shazhou were particularly fond of Qiu Shu.
Qiu Shu maintained her patriarchal dignity in front of outsiders. She refused directly without looking away.
"No, thank you, sir."
The man did not insist. With a hint of disappointment, he nodded and left decisively.
But with one man setting the example, more and more men stepped forward to strike up conversations, causing Qiu Shu some annoyance.
At this moment, her junior sister said sourly:
"Qiu Shu, I didn't expect you to still be so appealing."
Nian Jiaojiao and Qiu Hezi’s eyes revealed smiles at this.
Qiu Shu blushed, but did not say much.
Alas… who told her she was the youngest in seniority among the four?
After sending away the crowd of men, half an hour later, Nian Jiaojiao and the others finally found suitable inns.
"Well, esteemed guests, are you here for a meal or to stay?"
As soon as Nian Jiaojiao stepped into the inn, the sharp-eyed innkeeper greeted them with a smile.
"We need rooms, four rooms," Nian Jiaojiao said.
"Our inn has regular rooms and superior rooms. What do you think, four people..."
"Four superior rooms," Nian Jiaojiao replied without hesitation.
"Very good!" The innkeeper's smile deepened, and he then called out loudly behind him, "Four superior rooms~~"
At this moment, a waiter hurried to the group.
"Quick, take these four honored guests to their rooms," the innkeeper instructed.
Nian Jiaojiao and the other three’s rooms were adjacent. After she entered her room, she placed her luggage by the head of the bed.
She walked to the window and pushed it open to look outside.
The window did not face the street but looked out into the courtyard, which was why the room was so quiet.
However, to Nian Jiaojiao's surprise, there was a pond in this courtyard, surrounded by lush vegetation. Looking at it, it felt like returning to Qingzhou.
Just then, a figure in white slowly walked into the courtyard from the inn's corridors.
At this moment, her back was to Nian Jiaojiao.
Nian Jiaojiao sighed inwardly: Although she couldn't see this person's face, their fresh and refined aura was hard to tear one's eyes away from.
Wait…
Refined?
Nian Jiaojiao’s heart stirred, and she suspected the person standing below was a cultivator.
Just as she was guessing, the person below suddenly looked up, and Nian Jiaojiao met a pure and flawless face.
What a handsome woman!
It was a pity that her beautiful eyes held no emotion, and her gaze was like eternal ice and snow, making Nian Jiaojiao shiver.
The person opposite was also observing Nian Jiaojiao.
A delicate and gentle woman, with no aggression in her features.
A typical Qingzhou appearance.
Even more distinctive were those eyes, which left a deep impression.
Nian Jiaojiao nodded at the woman, who hesitated for a moment before nodding back.
At this moment, a young man dressed as a servant ran into the courtyard and said to the woman:
"Miss, Lord Zuoqiu has sent someone to fetch you from the inn."
The woman withdrew her gaze from Nian Jiaojiao and turned away with the servant.
Nian Jiaojiao did not dwell on this interlude.
...
The next day.
According to the plan, Nian Jiaojiao and the other three were to procure supplies today and then depart for the royal city in the afternoon.
However, at noon, Qiu Hezi walked over with a grave expression.
"Our trip is postponed by two days."
"Aunt, what happened?" Qiu Shu was the first to ask.
Qiu Hezi said:
"Today, I thought of visiting a friend from my school days who lives nearby, so I went to her residence. Unexpectedly, something happened at her home, and I want to delay for two days to help her with this matter."
Qiu Shu quickly said:
"There is still ample time before the date agreed upon with the main family. If Aunt's friend is in trouble, we should naturally help."
Qiu Hezi nodded and then looked at Nian Jiaojiao.
Nian Jiaojiao shrugged indifferently:
"As guests, we follow the host's lead. I am employed by you, so I will go wherever you go."
Thus, the four left their luggage at the inn, bid farewell to the innkeeper, and walked a long way to the house of Qiu Hezi's friend.
"Zuoqiu Residence," Nian Jiaojiao murmured softly.
Qiu Shu's reaction was different. She quickly asked Qiu Hezi:
"Aunt, is this Zuoqiu the Zuoqiu I know?"
Qiu Hezi nodded:
"Yes, it's the Zuoqiu you know."
The junior sister looked confused:
"What Zuoqiu are you talking about?"
Qiu Hezi: "It's that Zuoqiu."
Junior sister: "Oh, so it's *that* Zuoqiu."
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
These people have truly mastered the art of saying nothing.
At this moment, a middle-aged woman dressed richly and expensively came out. Upon seeing Qiu Hezi, her eyes lit up, and she strode up to Qiu Hezi:
"Hehezi, I knew you wouldn't abandon me~"
After speaking, she noticed Nian Jiaojiao and the others around Qiu Hezi and said enthusiastically:
"Are these your disciples? Their looks make me so envious~"
As she spoke, the gold and silver jewelry she wore clashed, emitting a clear "ding-dong" sound.
Nian Jiaojiao looked at Qiu Hezi strangely.
She hadn't expected someone of her personality to have friends with such "social superpowers."
Qiu Hezi's expression was blank; she was clearly accustomed to her friend's way of speaking.
"It's been many years, you should restrain yourself a little. Let's handle our business first."
Speaking of business, Zuoqiu Ming's playful mood disappeared. She put away her smile and said,
"Please, come in, everyone."
When they reached the main hall, they found other guests already there.
Nian Jiaojiao saw the white-clothed woman from yesterday sitting in the main hall drinking tea.
Their eyes met, and they both thought simultaneously:
"It's her!"
"It's her."