Chapter 299: Broke

Chapter 299: Broke

Before parting, He Qingxiao boldly asked, "Brother, could you lend a straw hat to my lady to shield her from the sun?"

Brother Orion readily grabbed two straw hats from the wall and, noticing He Qingxiao's slightly puzzled look, smiled, "One for each of you."

Even a handsome fellow like Xiao He should be cautious.

"We’re off now, Auntie," Xin You and He Qingxiao bowed to the auntie.

"Son, escort Xiao He and his wife out."

They did not decline Brother Orion’s warm send-off. On the road, He Qingxiao asked, "Brother, do you know how to get to Baiyun County?"

"Baiyun County?" Brother Orion paused, "That’s quite a distance."

Far?

Xin You and He Qingxiao looked at each other.

"The nearest county town here is Lingshan County. I went to Baiyun County many years ago, and it took several days by wagon."

He Qingxiao hid his surprise and calmly asked, "Then how do we get to Lingshan County?"

Brother Orion pointed, "Follow that road straight, and at the fork, take the flatter path. It should take about two hours."

"Thank you, brother. You can head back now."

After bidding farewell to Brother Orion, on their way to Lingshan County, Xin You glanced back at the looming mountains.

"We were swept into the deep pool in the cave from the riverbed, and after coming out, we must be on the other side of the mountains. To return to Baiyun County, we have to go around the mountains, which won’t be close," He Qingxiao guessed.

The south is mountainous, and without a direct route, a short distance could end up being much longer.

"After we return, let’s send some supplies to the auntie and Brother Orion," Xin You thought of how Brother Orion’s family, despite being very poor, saved meat to nourish her, and she felt guilty.

However, after falling into the water, the purse she carried was washed away, and although the small seal hidden in her bosom was still there, it couldn’t be turned into cash in the wilderness.

He Qingxiao, like her, had lost his money pouch and didn’t have a penny on him.

"Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it."

After walking for more than half an hour, He Qingxiao handed over the water bottle.

Xin You took a few sips and handed it back, "You drink some too."

The water bottle was also kindly given by Brother Orion, completely full of water.

He Qingxiao took the bottle but didn’t drink.

Xin You noticed and said softly, "In these unusual circumstances, Lord He, you don’t need to be so formal."

If we were to follow those customs, we should’ve gotten married when I kissed you.

"I’m not thirsty right now," He Qingxiao put away the bottle and slightly bent down, "You haven’t fully recovered, walking too long will be hard on your body. Let me carry you for a while."

Xin You calmly refused, "No need, I’m not tired yet."

He Qingxiao was silent for a moment, then picked up the bottle and took a long drink.

Beads of water trickled down his stubbled chin, past his Adam’s apple, and vanished into his collar.

Xin You slightly averted her gaze, her cheeks slowly flushing with warmth.

She must be losing her mind; in such a difficult situation, she was perfectly clear about what she wanted and didn’t want, yet she couldn’t help but let her thoughts wander.

“I’ll carry you,” He Qingxiao said with a tone that brooked no argument after drinking water.

Xin You didn’t refuse this time and looped her arms around his neck.

The trail winding from the wilderness to the county town was rugged, full of potholes and small muddy puddles. Yet, He Qingxiao walked steadily, and the girl on his back, exhausted, drifted off without realizing.

When Xin You awoke, she found herself gently swaying in an ox cart. She didn’t speak, but her eyes silently questioned him.

“We met an elderly man who was driving the cart. Seeing me carrying you was hard work, he offered us a ride,” He Qingxiao explained.

The old man sitting at the front of the cart heard the conversation and chuckled, “Awake now? Young man, your brother’s quite the trooper, carrying you all the way, drenched in sweat.”

Still wearing their previous clothes, which had been cleaned at Orion Brother’s house, and with their hats on, the old man mistook them for brothers.

“Thank you, sir, for the ride,” Xin You thanked him, using her male-disguised voice.

The old man looked ahead, shaking the ox’s reins, “It’s no trouble at all. I’m just going to the city to deliver something to my son, who’s about your age. Look, we’ve arrived at the county town.”

In this remote area, security at the city gates was quite relaxed. The two entered the city smoothly with the old man, thanked him, and then parted ways.

As noon approached, the streets were bustling with people, and the mingling scents of various foods teased their appetites.

Xin You remained calm, “We should head to the Bao’an Bank.”

Bao’an Bank was an official bank, widespread across the country, and with the small seal in her possession, she felt secure.

After asking several people, they found out there was no Bao’an Bank in Lingshan County. Xin You’s voice carried a mix of emotions, “Brother, got any ideas for making quick cash with no money?”

She’d brought valuables with her when she traveled to the capital and had never experienced being penniless.

A few passersby caught this and hurried off.

He Qingxiao coughed lightly and said seriously, “Well, there are two main options: one is robbery, and the other is begging.”

Xin You mulled it over carefully.

Robbery was out of the question, and as for begging—her gaze lingered on the man beneath the hat.

If Lord He took off his hat, perhaps it could work?

He Qingxiao caught the drift of Xin You’s unspoken idea and shot her a resigned glance.

“Brother—”

He Qingxiao decisively spoke up to avoid hearing any suggestion of him selling his looks to beg, “But there’s an easier way.”

“What way?” Xin You asked curiously.

She did have a few money-making tricks up her sleeve, but none could solve the immediate crisis. Lord He sounded so relaxed, yet he was never very well-off.

He Qingxiao placed something in Xin You’s hand.

Xin You looked down and saw it was the token that signified his official status.

"This is still intact. We just need to go to the county office, show our identity, and have them arrange for a carriage to take us to Baiyun County."

Xin You remained silent.

Fifteen minutes later, the two were welcomed in by the Magistrate of Lingshan County, who had hurried out to greet them.

"I, your humble servant, greet Lord He and Miss Xin." The Magistrate of Lingshan County, surnamed Zhu, although the affairs of neighboring Baiyun County had not yet spread to Lingshan County due to inconvenient transportation, they had already learned about it through official channels.

Lord He, the Jinlin Guard North Town Supervising Envoy, was not to be offended, and this Miss Xin was truly legendary.

Magistrate Zhu gazed at Xin You with keen interest, wondering why Miss Xin was still wearing a bamboo hat even after entering the house.

He Qingxiao said indifferently, "We are in a rush to get back to Baiyun County, please arrange for us, Magistrate Zhu."

"I've already arranged for a carriage to be prepared. However, it is almost noon, please honor us by staying for lunch before you leave."

"We won't say no to that."

To Magistrate Zhu's disappointment, only Lord He joined him for the meal, while Miss Xin ate alone in the guest room, and he still did not get to see Miss Xin's true appearance.

"Miss Xin is still recovering and is low on energy. I hope Magistrate Zhu will not take offense."

"Not at all, not at all. Miss Xin's health is important."

After the meal, He Qingxiao stood up: "I have some matters to attend to, and we will depart upon my return."

Magistrate Zhu was very understanding: "I'll make sure no one disturbs Miss Xin's rest."

"Thank you, Magistrate Zhu." He Qingxiao paused, and asked without changing his expression, "Is Magistrate Zhu doing well financially?"