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墨書 Inktalez
Facing the waiter, who was disguised as a man, Luzi had already deduced that this person must have come from a noble background, a lady of high status. However, it was not something one could easily ask about, as it was a painful memory that no one wished to recall. Besides, what good would nostalgia do? Nothing would change; it would only add to the sorrow of separation. It seemed that Luzi's decision was correct, allowing a glimmer of comfort to emerge from within.
"What is your name?"
At that time, women's status was very low; they were honored by their husbands' families. If they married into a good family, they would naturally enjoy wealth and nobility. If they married into a poor family, they would be burdened with household chores and labor. As a result, women often took their husbands' names. For example, if a woman named Li married a man named Wang, her name would become Wang Li.
Forget it! It's better to gloss over these issues related to women's rights.
Luzi's inquiry about the other person's name had another purpose: to try and find out if the waiter had any relatives left. If luck was on their side and there were still relatives alive, sending someone back could be considered a good deed. One should not only think of oneself all day; if there’s an opportunity to help others, one should lend a hand. Doing good deeds will bring good rewards; the deities above are watching.
The waiter, being clever and perceptive, surely understood the meaning behind these words but remained silent with her head lowered.
After waiting quietly for a moment, Luzi nodded and decided not to press further. Everyone harbors secrets in their hearts that they are unwilling to share; if that’s the case, so be it. Indicating that she should sit down and talk was ignored, so Luzi had no choice but to command her to sit. Seeing her merely perched on the edge of the stool confirmed his suspicions. As for why she was reluctant to reveal her background, it was likely because she already knew there were no relatives left in this world! Alas! What a pitiful person!
"Are you willing to come with me?"
After receiving an affirmative answer, Luzi continued, "Alright! This is within the borders of the Chu Kingdom, and I happened to meet you here in the Chu Region. It’s not right to call you without a name; who knows who I’m calling? From now on, I’ll call you Chuchu."
Seeing Chuchu eagerly nodding from across the table, Luzi couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Am I really that scary? Or do you have something in your mouth? Why aren’t you speaking?"
Hearing this joke, Chuchu covered her mouth and giggled. No longer pretending to have a rough voice, she explained, "I don’t have anything in my mouth!"
This restored voice in such a dismal place was as delightful as the morning sun, instantly brightening Luzi's previously heavy mood. He looked again at this girl dressed in coarse linen clothes and sighed inwardly; if her looks matched her voice, she would be an absolute beauty! However, heaven has always been fair; it would never allow celestial beings to exist among mortals! Such beings could only be seen in the heavens after achieving enlightenment. Life is so wonderful; matters concerning heaven can be discussed later.
In high spirits, Luzi casually flipped over two large bowls on the table. Before he could say what he intended to do next, he saw Chuchu already filling her bowl with wine. Noticing her big eyes sparkling as she looked at him for more details, he couldn’t help but scratch his head and ask, "Do you know what I’m going to do?"
Chuchu nodded heavily, holding out a large bowl to Luzi. "Little girl Zichu offers a toast to the master!"
Luzi took it, feeling even more frustrated. She knew this was what she wanted to say!? She had planned to propose a toast first, but Chuchu had beaten her to it. It was simply astonishing! Despite her surprise, she did not delay the matter at hand and said, "From now on, do not call me master; you are not anyone's servant. If you like, you can call me Lu Gongzi." As she spoke, she suddenly worried that the person across from her might not understand. "This is necessary! And absolutely non-negotiable!"
Chuchu listened quietly, slightly lowering her head and standing still.
This action made Luzi worry; just as she was about to ask what was wrong, she saw a crystal tear drop into the bowl. With the appearance of several ripples, a similar effect stirred in her heart. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she gently tapped Chuchu's bowl with hers. "From today onwards, Chuchu's happiness begins!" After saying this, she drank it all in one go.
This so-called awkwardness was simply due to their recent acquaintance. Laughter once again filled the quiet hall, and Luzi felt as if she were surrounded by beautiful music. There were no distinctions of status here, no worldly sorrows or joys. It was a sanctuary for the soul, a pure land free from mundane disputes.
As the music ended, Luzi stood up to return to her room. Noticing Chuchu seeing her off, she finally paid attention to what Chuchu was wearing. After all, this place was not in their homeland; it wasn't appropriate to travel dressed like this. But there were no women's clothes in her luggage, and there was nowhere to buy any in the wilderness.
Chuchu's figure was not petite and delicate like that of women from Chu Region; this was also why she had not been suspected after disguising herself. Tall and well-proportioned without being bulky, her figure was just right. It seemed likely that her ancestry wasn't from Yan or Zhao regions.
Luzi carefully examined Chuchu from head to toe and felt that their sizes were similar. Although Chuchu was about half a head shorter than him, he could modify his clothes slightly to fit her. Moreover, even if he could find women's dresses for sale, traveling with women wasn't very convenient anyway. After making up his mind, he asked Chuchu about her sewing skills. Receiving an affirmative answer, he gestured for her to follow him. There were thirteen suitcases in the room; he would find two sets of clothes and have Dawn modify them quickly.
Entering the room and speaking softly without hearing a reply, he turned around to see Chuchu just standing at the door looking around and suddenly understood what was happening. There has always been a saying about men and women keeping their distance! It was all because of the clothes! If it weren't for too much wine or if Chuchu had been dressed as a man, he would have thought of this before entering! Luzi secretly blamed himself and hurriedly rummaged through the boxes to find two sets of clothes to send out. Looking around and seeing no one up at night made him secretly happy as he pointed at the clothes in his hands while gesturing how to sew them.
Chuchu immediately indicated that she understood and took the clothes with both hands. Sticking out her tongue lightly, she then turned around and left.
Luzi stood at the door watching Chuchu's figure until it disappeared before returning inside; only then did he feel a cool breeze hit him and realized what had happened. Rubbing his head while mimicking Chuchu's earlier gesture of sticking out her tongue, he suddenly felt as if he had returned to his childhood.
Tomorrow they would have to travel again! He should hurry up and get some sleep!
The air in the mountains was refreshingly clean, with no complaints except for the dampness after the rain. The mess hall at the outer barracks was self-sufficient, and the inn only needed to prepare breakfast for its guests. There were plenty of wild vegetables picked from the mountains, making for a rather sumptuous meal that Luzi thoroughly enjoyed.
Chunshen Jun did not have the fortune to partake in this purely green food, not because he didn't want to, but because he had no opportunity. He had just gotten out of bed and hadn't even made it to the restroom when several local officers, who had been waiting in the hall for some time, warmly invited him to breakfast at the barracks. It was said that these fresh dishes were delivered overnight and were highly nutritious. Moreover, the chef was not one of the cooks from the military camp but a master hired from the best tavern in the area. He had intended to invite Luzi to join him, but Luzi politely declined. The reasoning was sound and quite logical; after all, this was a military camp of the State of Chu, and it was clearly not appropriate for a foreigner to enter.
Breakfast concluded harmoniously, with both sides expressing heartfelt gratitude for the generous hospitality. The innkeeper was in tears as he bid farewell to the diligent waiter, repeatedly urging Chuchu to come back and visit whenever possible, reminding him not to forget this place.
Such a sorrowful farewell! Such a poignant parting made Luzi shed a few tears as well.
The carriage prepared by Shisan was already waiting outside. Upon seeing an extra person joining them, no questions were asked. It was against the rules set by their master to inquire about matters that should remain unspoken. What could be shared would naturally be communicated; what could not be shared would be pointless to ask.
If it weren't for waiting to bid farewell to a prominent Chancellor of Chu, these four foreigners would have left long ago. By the time they stepped outside to see off the innkeeper, who had grown weary from standing, this esteemed official finally appeared before everyone. Another round of tearful farewells ensued as both parties shed a few crocodile tears before parting ways.
Considering the safety of his benefactor, Chunshen Jun planned to send his personal guards to escort them. Luzi found an excuse to decline; after all, it was merely a suggestion from them. If he agreed, it would clearly show a lack of awareness of the situation. Having guards from the Prime Minister's Residence trek through mountains and rivers for their send-off would surely be laughable if it got out. What status did he have? He was just a merchant! Enjoying such treatment depended on one's rank, especially in an era where hierarchy was strictly observed.
Among those who came to see them off were local officials and military leaders stationed nearby, all genuine provincial officials by rank. However, they had not received any orders for an escort and dared not volunteer to protect Luzi and his companions. While it was acceptable for state machinery to be deployed for protecting the Chancellor, there was no need for such measures for a few foreigners. That said, if Chunshen Jun were to issue an escort order at that moment, it would be a different story. Yet what puzzled them was that this esteemed official did not seem inclined to do so.
One could see that someone capable of having the Chancellor personally venture into deep mountains and forests for a farewell must share an extraordinary relationship with him—perhaps they were childhood friends or former classmates—but why wouldn't the Chancellor send soldiers for protection? Strange as it may be, without orders meant there were simply no orders.
Among those accompanying them for breakfast was an officer who had once followed Chunshen Jun into battle; they knew well that this seemingly amiable official enforced strict discipline in his military affairs. When they noticed someone eager to curry favor, they quickly exchanged glances signaling caution. According to the Chancellor's rules, one could not act unless permitted; taking initiative would surely lead to punishment.
Luzi did not dare hope for anyone to escort them; besides, having troops from Chu accompany them would draw too much attention. Although no one dared provoke soldiers on official roads without cause, relying on others was never a good reason. Ultimately, one must rely on oneself when venturing out; depending on external assistance is not always feasible.
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