My Years in the Jianghu with the Prince: A Time of Unethical Conduct

Because this half of the treasure map had been stored for a long time and was not well preserved, it was tattered and eaten by insects. The two of them studied it for a long time but could not figure it out.

Chu Ling closed his eyes to rest for a moment, then suddenly remembered something: "I've heard that there's a skilled person in Yongcheng who can repair all kinds of damaged documents."

Xie Yan had also heard of the extraordinary man from Yongcheng.

It is said that this person was highly skilled and could meticulously repair any damaged ancient painting or illegible document, making it exactly the same as before.

The group immediately decided to head to Yongcheng.

Yongcheng is hundreds of kilometers away from Yong'an Prefecture. It would take the group at least half a month to arrive, even with all the carriages and carts.

For several days, the group rarely saw post stations and mostly set up camp wherever they were.

As dusk approached, the group was preparing to rest when suddenly a thunderclap boomed in the sky, and dark clouds began to gather in the distance.

Just then, Xie Yan, who had disappeared in a flash, came running back. He slowly rode his horse and said to everyone, "After you cross that mountain, there's a pretty big inn where you can rest."

Chu Ling, who was talking to Xuan Feng, looked up and saw Xie Yan, wearing a skirt, sitting on her horse with a blade of grass in her mouth, acting all unserious.

During this journey, Xie Yan did not revert to his original form, but instead took on the appearance of a woman.

Now that his return to the martial world has been exposed, he must change his identity to avoid any trouble while traveling with Chu Ling.

Seeing Chu Ling nod, the group hurried towards the post station before it got completely dark.

When the group arrived at the inn, a light drizzle had already begun, and it looked like it was about to intensify.

Hearing the commotion, the waiter came out impatiently, and immediately became alert when he saw Chu Ling and his party's attire.

Instead of greeting us, they questioned us: "Who are you people?"

Chu Ling frowned slightly as he stood behind the others, when he heard Xie Yan, who was holding an umbrella for him and hiding behind him, whisper in his ear: "Look at his shoes."

He looked over in the direction of the words and saw that the waiter's trousers were a bit tattered and there were even some bloodstains on the cloth shoes he was wearing.

It's one thing for a waiter in a shop to have a rough appearance, but he certainly wouldn't be so unkempt and slovenly.

Unless the shop owner doesn't want to do business at all.

Xuanfeng explained to the waiter that they were just a passing caravan who had come to the inn to take shelter from the rain.

"Caravan?"

The waiter looked at the group suspiciously, his gaze intensifying as it swept over the swords at the waists of Yu Bai, Meng Lan, and the others.

Xuanfeng seemed not to understand his expression, and walked to the carriage in the group that was covered by a cloth, lifting a corner to show the waiter.

"This shipment needs to be rushed to Yongcheng. We'll take shelter from the rain here and then continue our journey."

The shadow of porcelain was revealed under the lifted cloth, and no one missed the glint of shrewdness that flashed in the waiter's eyes in that instant.

"Ahem." The waiter cleared his throat. "In that case, please come in."

Xie Yan followed Chu Ling into the lobby. As she passed the waiter, she heard him scoff contemptuously, "Even when rushing to deliver goods, you don't forget to bring a woman along. Tch."

Xie Yan turned his head and saw Xiao Er leering at his body below the neck.

Seeing him turn around and look at him, the waiter licked his lips in a lewd manner.

Xie Yan met his gaze, and a perfect smile curved her lips.

Back then, Dong Feng's steward only lost one leg, but it seems this waiter will have to lose three this time.

The lobby was empty, clearly because of its remote location and the lack of guests.

Just as everyone found their seats, a woman's voice came from the second floor—

"I asked you to greet the guests, why did you take so long?"

Looking up, I saw a woman with a graceful figure leaning against the railing. She looked like she had just woken up; her hair was slightly disheveled, and she yawned lazily.

The waiter shuddered and smiled obsequiously, "The customer has a lot of goods, we just settled them in."

The woman, presumably the owner of the shop, leisurely walked downstairs upon hearing this.

Xie Yan stood behind Chu Ling and poured him a glass of water. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the waiter secretly make a gesture to the woman.

The rain grew heavier, and the woman's wooden clogs clattered along with the rain, seemingly walking on everyone's hearts.

"Oh, what a handsome young man!"

After coming down, she immediately saw Chu Ling, and her smile became even more charming.

The female shop owner turned around and sat down directly next to Chu Ling.

Her bright red nails traced across the table as she smiled at Chu Ling, saying, "Does this humble servant have the honor of knowing where this young master comes from and where he is going?"

Chu Ling looked at the foam in his teacup but smiled without saying a word. Xie Yan, understanding his meaning, spoke up: "Is it any of your business to inquire about my young master's affairs?"

Since he can impersonate a woman, he naturally speaks in a female voice. He just didn't bother to speak when he was at the Su residence.

Xie Yan spoke crisply, her tone carrying a hint of spoiled arrogance, which sent chills down the spines of Xuan Feng and those who knew her identity.

The female shop owner then raised her eyes and scanned him up and down.

Xie Yan was dressed as a maid again this time. She looked to be about twenty years old, and her light pink dress made her face look smooth and fair.

He was standing behind Chu Ling, frowning and glaring angrily at the shopkeeper. Compared to the shopkeeper, he was not as beautiful, but he was more charming and lovely.

Seeing Xie Yan's deliberate act, the female shop owner smiled knowingly: "Little girl, your master hasn't even spoken yet, why are you interrupting? Are you jealous?"

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

Xie Yan blushed and glared at her, then secretly glanced at Chu Ling.

The onlookers from Xuanfeng: ...You're overacting.

"Oh? You're not jealous? Then why are you in such a hurry to answer me?"

The female shop owner looked at her with amusement, and slowly moved one hand to Chu Ling's hand.

Just as they were about to get on, Chu Ling dodged by pretending to drink water. He tilted his head slightly and said in a calm tone, "Yan'er, don't be rude."

Xie Yan stomped her foot angrily, snorted coldly, and turned her head away.

Chu Ling smiled helplessly, acting just like a master who was having a headache over his willful maid. He cupped his hands to the female shopkeeper and said, "I have spoiled her. Please don't blame me."

"It doesn't matter."

The female shopkeeper twirled her hair with her fingers, gazing at Chu Ling with tender affection. "Since the rain has intensified, young master, why don't you rest here? I will certainly treat you well, my esteemed guest."

Chu Ling nodded with a smile, seemingly oblivious to the female shopkeeper's implied meaning, "Then I'll trouble you to prepare a few superior rooms for us."

The rain was indeed getting heavier and heavier, and the thunder was rumbling incessantly. The strong wind was blowing the windows against the walls.

The waiter, grumbling, went to close the window, when he saw several figures rushing in through the heavy rain.