Early Spring Journey

After the meal, the young master called Qinglong to his room alone and asked, “Who was it?” “An old friend, but it looks like he’s a scout, just keeping a distance, won’t make a move for now,” Qinglong whispered, “Young Master, there’s something I don’t understand.” “What?” “On the day the Tian Gang attacked Shuyuan, they used crossbows with a very precise mechanism. At that time, Chuxia said something that now seems very reasonable.” “What did the little girl say?” “When the bell rang, she said, ‘The girls from Yingyuan must have practiced a new tune.'” Qinglong said slowly, “To measure wind speed with music, and be in Shuyuan, there aren’t many who could do that.” The young master’s lips curved slightly, “So, you suspect Baisue?” “I have no evidence,” Qinglong admitted honestly, “But Baisue is quite suspicious. Young Master… why did you bring her along?” The young master neither confirmed nor denied, so Qinglong continued, “This journey is fraught with danger, bringing Chuxia alone is already difficult. Now with Baisue’s unclear identity, I just feel… feel…” The young master frowned, “Feel what?” “Well… it’s true that heroes have a hard time resisting beauty, but now doesn’t seem like the right time.” Qinglong said tactfully. The young master rubbed his brow with his slender fingers, not angry, “Qinglong, since we returned to the mansion before the New Year, Lady Wang Yun was killed, followed by three grand gifts, the Tian Gang’s attack on Shuyuan, and spies within our mansion — every step has been reactive. We don’t even know who our enemy is.” Qinglong’s expression turned serious, “Yes.” “But one thing is certain, their target is the ‘Mountain and Water Ballad’,” the young master smiled faintly, “And our only ace is this.” Qinglong looked slightly bewildered as footsteps approached the room, and the young master stopped elaborating. “Young Master, Young Master!” Chuxia rushed in, “There’s a room with a leaky roof, can’t stay in it. The innkeeper said there are no other rooms.” The young master “oh-ed” lightly, “Then two people will have to squeeze.” Chuxia promptly responded, “Okay. Young Master, should I share with Lady Baisue, or you with her?” “I’ll share with you,” the young master said without looking up. Chuxia was momentarily stunned, “Ah? But… this isn’t home.” At home, rooms are spacious, with inner and outer chambers… but in this village inn, there’s just one bed… uh… Seeing her hesitation, the young master’s tone cooled slightly, “Do I need to say it again?” Chuxia pouted, not daring to argue further, and ran out, but the two in the room, with their excellent hearing, clearly heard her mutter, “Your grandfather.” Qinglong’s face turned red and white, then heard the young master ask casually, “Has this journey been interesting?” Qinglong gave an awkward laugh, “It’s much more fun than traveling alone!” The young master’s expression turned cold, “I let her travel with you to learn, not to pick up foul language.” “We were just messing around.”