Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 386 - 222 Dangerous Land

However, this Mr. Gu really has delicate skin, even better than a woman’s. If it weren’t for those sharp eyebrows, he would have thought this was a young lady!

Ma Er imagined for a moment in his mind, then rode his horse towards the tea stall. He had been running for three or four hours and was starving.

Gu Chengyu and his party stopped in front of the tea stall. Upon getting off the carriage, they saw a simple tea stall with only one stranger inside, the rest were escort agency dart masters.

After quickly surveying the surroundings, he noticed the terrain was open, with the winter vegetation all yellow, offering little cover.

Approaching Gu Wan and their carriage, he said, "Second Sister, the tea stall is small, and considering you ladies, it might not be convenient. Why not just eat here?"

Upon entering, Gu Chengyu had observed that their carriages formed a circle with a small open space in the middle. Gu Wan and the others could rest after dismounting, as sitting in the carriage for too long was exhausting.

Gu Wan lifted the curtain, glanced at the tea stall, and indeed found it small and rundown, with wind blowing from all sides, and many men gathered around.

"Here’s fine as well. You and your brother-in-law go get some food!" Gu Wan and Sun Xian helped Sun’s mother off the carriage, planning to rest here.

"Chengyu!" Ye Zhiqiu got off first, then helped his Second Sister and mother down, and the group exchanged greetings.

"Lady Ye, I’m afraid you and Miss Ye will have to bear with us. The tea stall ahead is crowded. Why not squeeze in with my Lady Sun here?"

Gu Chengyu hurriedly apologized, as it was usually up to him to make arrangements when going out with Ye Zhiqiu. Apologizing for any oversight was necessary.

"Mr. Gu, you’re too courteous. When traveling, one cannot be too particular. Besides, we’re not precious people. Mr. Gu has already been very attentive. If anything, we’ve been inconveniencing Mr. Gu."

Ye’s mother actually felt embarrassed. The ship tickets were bought by someone trusted by Gu Chengyu, and the escort agency and carriages were also hired by him. Along the way, he had been attentive, so how could they be inconsiderate and cause trouble?

"No need to be so courteous, Madam!"

Gu Chengyu did not look at Second Sister Ye. Ye Zhiqiu had somewhat delicate looks, and Gu Chengyu had seen his two sisters, who were also rather pretty and gentle.

Second Sister Ye was a year older than Ye Zhiqiu, having turned fifteen after her birthday this year. Normally, she should be engaged by now.

However, because Ye Zhiqiu was going to the Capital, his Second Sister was delayed. Gu Chengyu guessed that the Ye Family wanted to arrange a marriage for Second Sister Ye in the Capital but might also be because Second Sister Ye wanted to earn some family income for her brother’s education and didn’t want to get engaged yet.

After all, her eldest sister was the same way, delaying an engagement for two years compared to other girls.

Since she was of a marriageable age, propriety between men and women should be observed.

"Brother Sun, time is of the essence. The escort agency’s dart masters have already eaten. Let’s hurry!"

Gu Chengyu and his group still needed to bring food for the women, and it wasn’t polite to keep the escort agency waiting.

"Dear guests, what would you like to eat?" The tea stall waiter brightened up upon seeing Gu Chengyu’s group.

This was the main road, frequented by travelers from all over. Having worked here for years, the waiter could tell at a glance that the young gentleman in front likely came from a wealthy family and wouldn’t mind spending on food.

Gu Chengyu glanced at a table, where dart masters were eating flatbread with hot water, accompanied by a plate of peanuts and some marinated meat on the table.

"What do you have? Let’s hear it." Gu Chengyu smiled and greeted a few dart masters.

"Braised pig’s trotters, marinated meat, roast chicken, roast goose, we’ve got it all!" The waiter grinned widely, recognizing a valuable customer.

"We’ll have two servings of each, and also bring some rice. Finally, pack two servings to go; we’re taking them with us."

They had many people, and it was uncertain if they could find food shops along the way, so packing some food for the road was prudent.

The dart masters cast a glance at Gu Chengyu, frequently traveling with the escort agency, where lavish meals were uncommon. They thought to themselves, this young master surely has no shortage of silver.

Gu Chengyu thought for a moment, realizing they would continue to rely on the escort agency, so offering them some benefits was appropriate.

"Please add some roast chicken to these two tables as well, my treat, to thank everyone for taking care of us all the way."

As soon as Gu Chengyu finished speaking, he indeed won the goodwill of the dart masters. These were straightforward folks, all slapping their chests, promising help if needed during the journey.

He brought the food to the women, who were already impatiently waiting.

"Xiao Bao! I’ve been starving, thinking we wouldn’t stop for lunch! There’s meat porridge here, let’s eat with it." Gu Wan, seeing the roast chicken, became cheerful.

Gu Chengyu smiled without a word, watching Ming Mo retrieve a small black wooden box from himself, from which he extracted a silver needle wrapped in silk. He checked the dishes placed on the carriage, ensuring they were poison-free before inviting everyone to eat.

Gu Wan pursed her lips at this, saying, "You’re too cautious, aren’t you?"

Gu Chengyu sat down leisurely, "The world is dangerous, and as you don’t often travel, you’re unaware of how many ill-intentioned people lurk out there. Our caravan is quite conspicuous, and we can’t be sure there’s no one plotting against us. Better safe than sorry."

Sun Xian agreed wholeheartedly, "Chengyu is right; we should indeed be careful."

There was no more space in the tea stall, so Gu Chengyu and his group had to make do with Gu Wan. For now, etiquette had to be set aside.

The carriages traveled for another four days. Gu Wan’s initial excitement had long passed, and the bumpy ride left her uncomfortable, so now she leaned against the carriage wall, resting with her eyes closed.

Gu Chengyu lifted the curtain to look outside. The past days had gone very smoothly. Although a small snow had fallen over these days, it hadn’t hindered their journey. Thankfully, it wasn’t mixed with rain, and the ground’s snow wasn’t thick, otherwise ice might have formed.

Snow had stopped since yesterday, making the road much easier to travel.

Gu Chengyu gazed at the mountains ahead; the road seemed to cut between peaks, as if the mountains were cleaved apart by an axe.

He carefully observed for a moment, recognizing this as a strategic location for ancient armies. If someone attacked from the mountains on both sides or if archers were stationed above, the caravan passing through would be surrounded, trapped like fish in a barrel.

Gu Chengyu felt a sense of foreboding; it had been too smooth these days. The merchant who entrusted the escort looked like a fat, big-eared merchant, but Gu Chengyu hadn’t overlooked the calluses on his right palm, indicating they were from years of wielding a knife or sword.

"Ming Mo, go ahead and see if Chief Wu has sent anyone to scout ahead. If not, come back and inform me, and wait for my instructions."

Those who escort frequently can’t afford to ignore dangerous spots like this, and Gu Chengyu believed Chief Wu must have a plan. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Yes!" Ming Mo knew the young master was always meticulous; if he had concerns, he naturally had a reason.